The Struggle for School: Rohingya Refugees and the Right to Learn

The Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh face a tough reality when it comes to education. Despite international laws that promise everyone the right to learn, these promises often stay just that—promises. The Rohingyas, who fled violence in Myanmar, find themselves in a tricky situation. Bangladesh has taken in over a million of them, but giving them access to schooling is not straightforward. Education is more than just a right for the Rohingyas; it is a tool for survival and stability. International laws, like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, say that everyone should have access to education without discrimination. However, Bangladesh’s laws and policies do not fully live up to these standards when it comes to the Rohingyas. The problem is not just about laws on paper. It is about putting those laws into action. Bangladesh has signed important international agreements, but turning these commitments into real policies is where things fall short. Without clear laws and official funding, the education programs for the Rohingyas are often left to humanitarian groups. These programs are not always well-organised or consistent.Another big issue is the lack of legal status for the Rohingyas. Without proper documentation, they cannot access public services like schools. This makes it even harder for them to get an education. The Rohingyas are stuck in a cycle where their lack of legal recognition prevents them from accessing the very things that could help them gain recognition. The international community has a role to play here. Organisations like the UNHCR and various NGOs provide educational services, but they do not have the legal authority or responsibility that a host state should have. This leaves the Rohingyas in a vulnerable position, dependent on foreign aid rather than having their rights fully protected by law. For the Rohingyas, the right to education remains more of a theory than a reality. The gap between international laws and their practical implementation is wide. To truly protect the Rohingyas’ right to education, Bangladesh needs to strengthen its legal framework and take full responsibility for their educational needs. Only then can the right to education be acknowledged not just in law, but in practice.