This report is an independent evaluation of the European Union's humanitarian response to the Rohingya refugee crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh (2017–2019) as managed by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO). It draws upon evidence from project data, interviews, remote field visits and a literature review.
The evaluation concludes that DG ECHO has, despite a budget that was not proportionate to the needs, contributed to meeting objectives of preventing and alleviating human suffering, maintaining human dignity and upholding humanitarian principles. This also encompassed a key role in terms of coordination and advocacy.
As a large-scale dignified return for the Rohingya is unlikely in the foreseeable future, further development of a joint strategic approach has become even more pressing. Strategic recommendations targeted at DG ECHO Myanmar and Bangladesh are to:
- develop a multi-year strategy aligned with the Nexus joint response plan
- continue innovative approaches at both a country and global level to promote localisation
- refine advocacy strategies to promote changes in policy environments
- promote consistent attention to cost effectiveness by partners.
A recommendation for DG ECHO HQ is to ensure timely and adequate funding to maintain DG ECHO’s position as a key facilitator and influencer in the response.