Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Inequalities in Rohingya Camps and Host Communities of Cox’s Bazar: An Intersectional Multilevel Ecological Model Perspective

Abstract

Access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services remains inequitable in Rohingya refugee camps and surrounding host communities in Cox’s Bazar, with disparities deeply rooted in intersecting factors such as gender, ethnicity, location, age, and disability. Using a Multilevel Ecological Model framework, this study explores the intersectional dimensions of WASH inequalities, addressing gaps in existing research despite the global focus on the Rohingya refugee crisis. The study identifies critical barriers and enabling factors affecting WASH access by employing a mixed-methods approach ─ including surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KII). Findings reveal that marginalized groups experience compounded disadvantages, further intensifying their vulnerability and exclusion. The study calls for targeted, inclusive policies and interventions that prioritize the needs of these groups, aiming to mitigate inequalities and foster equitable WASH access for all.

Social Science Review, Vol. 41(2), December 2024, pp. 29-56