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The Kutupalong Rohingya settlement camp, situated in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, is one of the largest and most densely populated refugee camps in the world. Established to provide temporary refuge for the Rohingya community fleeing persecution in Myanmar, the camp currently shelters approximately 1,003,394 refugees who arrived during a significant influx beginning in August 2017 (UNHCR, 2024). The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group, have sought safety and the opportunity to rebuild their lives in 34 makeshift camps within the Kutupalong area (Mohajan H. K, 2018). These camps are characterized by overcrowded living conditions, limited resources, and significant challenges related to shelter, sanitation, healthcare, and food security.
This thesis investigates the living conditions of Rohingya refugees in Kutupalong, focusing on the spatial organization of shelters and the socio-cultural factors shaping their arrangements. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines qualitative interviews with Rohingya families and community leaders and quantitative mapping techniques to analyze shelter layouts and their significance. This integrated methodology provides a comprehensive understanding of how the Rohingya adapt to their environment and navigate displacement challenges.
The findings reveal that shelter layouts in Kutupalong are deeply influenced by cultural practices, social relationships, and shared values. The spatial organization reflects the community’s traditions, such as extended family structures, communal living, and gender-based privacy norms. These arrangements help maintain a sense of identity, belonging, and mutual support despite harsh conditions. Additionally, the research highlights adaptive strategies employed by families, including modifications like bamboo partitions, tarpaulin sheets, and elevated flooring to enhance privacy, create communal spaces, and protect against environmental challenges such as monsoons and extreme heat.
By exploring the interplay between culture and spatial organization, this thesis underscores the importance of integrating cultural contexts into humanitarian responses. It advocates for culturally informed approaches to designing interventions, ensuring they are effective and sensitive to the needs of displaced communities. The insights gained have significant implications for humanitarian agencies and policymakers, emphasizing the need to move beyond standardized solutions and prioritize the unique socio-cultural dynamics of refugees.
Ultimately, this research celebrates the resilience and adaptability of the Rohingya community while offering valuable lessons for addressing displacement crises worldwide. It highlights the importance of dignity, hope, and culturally sensitive support in rebuilding the lives of displaced populations. |
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