IOM, HCI partner to combat human trafficking in Rohingya camps

Rohingya Refugee Camp in Ukhiya

Dhaka, Nov 11 -The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Human Concern International (HCI), Canada’s oldest Muslim relief organization, and Human Concern USA have joined hands to tackle human trafficking, people smuggling, and irregular migration in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.

The partnership, supported through a project worth USD 250,000, aims to strengthen prevention and response efforts for vulnerable Rohingya refugees at risk of exploitation. The initiative will build on IOM’s long-standing expertise in counter-trafficking in Bangladesh and contribute to operationalizing a 33-camp strategy that enhances equitable service coverage, strengthens coordination, and ensures consistent protection standards across all camps.

The project will deploy mobile protection teams to conduct targeted awareness sessions, identify and support survivors of trafficking, and strengthen coordination among protection actors. It will also engage community leaders, volunteers, and youth groups to recognize and safely report trafficking risks — enhancing community-based protection mechanisms and resilience.

IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Lance Bonneau said: “This initiative is designed to ensure that every refugee has access to consistent protection services and support. Through community engagement and outreach, we aim to build the capacity of refugees, volunteers, and local leaders to recognize trafficking risks and respond safely and effectively.”

“IOM remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the Government of Bangladesh, local authorities, and humanitarian partners to ensure that people at risk of trafficking are protected, supported, and empowered,” Lance Bonneau said.

“Our faith calls on us to stand against injustice and protect the most vulnerable among us,” said Mahmuda Khan, Global CEO of HCI. “On behalf of our donors, HCI is putting our values of compassion, justice, and dignity into action so we can ensure that Rohingya refugees are not only protected from exploitation but empowered to build safer, more hopeful futures,” Bangladesh Chief of Mission said.

HCI’s partnership with the IOM through its newly established Islamic Philanthropy Fund (IPF) represents a milestone in global humanitarian collaboration. The IPF was created to channel faith-based giving, particularly Zakat and Sadaqah, toward sustainable humanitarian initiatives. This partnership positions HCI among a select group of international organizations working with IOM to advance faith-driven solutions to some of today’s most urgent global challenges.

In Bangladesh, it complements IOM’s ongoing work to protect Rohingya refugees and host communities from trafficking and other forms of exploitation through awareness-raising, case management, and coordination support. The partnership also contributes to IOM’s broader counter-trafficking and support humanitarian interventions in Sudan, Libya, and Ukraine, reinforcing a global commitment to safeguard vulnerable populations from abuse and exploitation. - UNB