Joint Multi Sector Needs Assessment: Cox’s Bazar, Rohingya Refugee Response 2021, Refugees

Following the events of August 2017, the Rohingya community were affected by displaced. As of August 2021, 900,000 refugees were residing in 34 camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf. With the crisis moving into its fifth year, prospects remain uncertain. Comprehensive information on the needs and vulnerabilities of affected host communities is needed in order to inform the design and implementation of effective inter-sectoral programming.

Against this background, a Joint Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (J-MSNA) was conducted to support detailed humanitarian planning, meeting the multi-sectoral needs of affected populations, and to enhance the ability of operational partners to meet the strategic aims of donors and coordinating bodies.

Building on past J-MSNAs and other assessments, the 2021 J-MSNA aimed to provide an accurate snapshot of the situation with the specific objectives of (1) providing a comprehensive evidence base of the diverse multi-sectoral needs among refugee populations and the host community to inform the 2022 Joint Response Plan; (2) providing an analysis of how refugee population and host community needs have changed in 2021; and (3) providing the basis for a joint multi-stakeholder analysis process.

A total of 3,683 households were surveyed across the 34 refugee camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf Upazilas. Households were sampled from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' (UNHCR) refugee registration database using a stratified random sampling approach, with camps as the strata. Household survey data collection took place between 12 July and 26 August 2021. Each interview was conducted with an adult household representative responding on behalf of the household and its members.