Local stakeholders on Wednesday urged UNHCR and other humanitarian agencies to prioritize a clear roadmap for the safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees, while criticizing the exclusion of local NGOs from the implementation framework of the Joint Response Plan (JRP) 2026.

At a press conference organized by the Cox’s Bazar CSO NGO Forum (CCNF) at the Cox’s Bazar Press Club, speakers said the exclusion of local NGOs contradicts localization commitments under the Grand Bargain and called for meaningful participation of local organizations in humanitarian decision-making and implementation.

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The speakers also expressed concern over limited local representation during the JRP launch event and proposed a “JRP 2.0” framework with a stronger focus on Rohingya repatriation.

CCNF Chief Moderator Rezaul Karim Chowdhury reiterated the call for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar and urged measures to address groundwater depletion in Cox’s Bazar, says a press release .

Anjuman Ara of Protisruti said JRP 2026 had not been shared with stakeholders in advance as in previous years, while Md. Iqbal Uddin stressed the need for a repatriation-focused roadmap.

Several speakers also raised concerns over funding distribution, saying local organizations and host communities receive a limited share of humanitarian resources.

The Rohingya crisis has entered its ninth year, with around 1.2 million refugees currently living in camps in Cox’s Bazar.