Combating domestic violence and sexual and gender-based violence during conflict: the case of the Rohingyas in Myanmar and Bangladesh

This chapter examines domestic violence in the context of the Rohingya conflict in Myanmar and Bangladesh. The experiences of Rohingya refugees living in refugee settlements in Bangladesh reveal the significance of gender-sensitive and culturally sensitive approaches to promotion and protection efforts. Through a socio-legal approach and empirically grounded in literature, the chapter starts with a discussion on the normative framework and legal obligations on domestic violence within these two countries at national, regional, and international levels. It was found that one of the core limitations to legal recourse for the Rohingyas stems from their contested citizenship and recognition in both Myanmar and Bangladesh. The discussion further elaborates on current protection efforts especially in the refugee settlements in Bangladesh. It highlights some important developments in the protection of domestic violence and sexual and gender-based violence victims. Besides state-actors, it illustrates the current ways in which non-governmental organizations deal with domestic violence in this region, and in this particular context. The authors aim for a better understanding of gender-based violence during periods of conflict and mass-displacement. A gender-sensitive and culturally sensitive approach to protection is needed, to address the vulnerability of Rohingya women and girls as victims of sexual and gender-based violence.