Speakers in a virtual event highlighted the need to ensure safety and security of aid workers and vulnerable communities in Bangladesh, especially inside Rohingya refugee settlements at Tekhnaf in the Cox's Bazar district.
They also called for reducing management costs of Rohingya projects as aid decreases and criticized the World Bank's recent UD$700 million loan pledge for the Rohingyas and the host community.
Speakers in the event titled "Act for Humanity-Leave No One Behind," argued that loans in humanitarian activities are unethical and set a bad global precedent.
The event organized by COAST Foundation, CSO-NGO Forum (CCNF) and BDCSO Coordination Process, in collaboration with Alliance for Empowering Partnership (A4EP) on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day.
It was presided over by Shireen Huq of Naripokkho and moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation. Keynote was presented by Md. Iqbal Uddin of COAST.
Participants included Mirela Shuteriqi from ICVA, Switzerland; Gawher Nayeem Wahra from Disaster Forum, Bangladesh; Nanette S. Antequisa, Chairperson of A4EP and Executive Director of ECOWEB, Philippines; Palwashay Arbab from Community World Service Asia.
They also include Sudhanshu S. Singh, Executive Director of Humanitarian Aid International, India; Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman, chairperson of Start Fund Bangladesh; Rafiqul Islam from Rupantor in Khulna; Fazlul Kader Chowdhury from Green Cox in Coxsbazar; Ms. Marianna Narhi, from NGO Platform, Coxs Bazar. AHM Bazlur Rahman, CEO, BNNRC, Dhaka.
In his keynote, Md. Iqbal Uddin said aid workers often become victims in conflict zones instead of being recognized as heroes. Mirela Shuteriqi stressed the need to protect civilians, aid workers, and the humanitarian premises.
Gawher Nayeem Wahra highlighted the crucial role of local volunteers in crises and the importance of recognizing their contributions. Nanette S. Antequisa questioned why those dedicated to aiding others are targeted calling for justice under international humanitarian law.
PalwashayArbab emphasized the need for introducing advanced technology to reduce humanitarian causalities in conflicts. Sudhanshu S. Singh pointed out disparities in salaries between local and international aid workers. Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman called for localization and decolonization of aid. Rafiqul Islam called for renewed commitment to localization.
AHM Bazlur Rahman warned of the dangers of cyberattacks and misinformation in conflicts. Fazlul Kader Chowdhury highlighted the dire conditions of 14,000 host community members living inside Rohingya camps, stressing the need for an inclusive response.
