The environmental impact of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh: legal and policy response

Abstract

This thesis evaluates Bangladeshi refugee policies that are incompatible with international refugee law and human rights obligations and are contributing to the environmental degradation in the country. The refugee policy in Bangladesh primarily focuses on the repatriation and short-term management of these refugees, with little attention given to the long-term ecological concerns and the importance of respecting the human rights of the Rohingya refugees, including their rights to freedom of movement, work and safe shelter. The fundamental principle of international refugee law is non-refoulement, which is considered a rule of customary international law. The application of this principle is widely accepted globally, even by non-state parties that did not sign the Refugee Convention of 1951. This thesis analyses how this legal obligation aligns with the Bangladeshi refugee policy of facilitating repatriation. This thesis also analyses the national and international environmental laws policies. Furthermore, it emphasises the significance of recognising the Rohingya refugees as a distinct and protected cultural/ethnic group, ensuring their rights are upheld despite their displacement. The thesis advocates a human rights-compliant approach to policy decisions concerning the Rohingya refugees. This approach asserts that respect for the human rights of these refugees would help to reduce the environmental damage they are doing to the country. If the Rohingya refugee are granted the right to freedom of movement, work, and safe shelter, Bangladesh can reduce the pressure on its natural environment and create a sustainable platform for the Rohingya refugees to live peacefully and sustainably within Bangladesh.

Date of Thesis submission	2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Western Sydney University
Supervisor	Azadeh Dastyari (Supervisor) & Caroline Compton (Supervisor)