Evaluation of the European Union’s Humanitarian Response to the Rohingya Refugee Crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh

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:

1. develop a multi-year strategy aligned with the Nexus joint response plan
2. continue innovative approaches at both a country and global level to promote localisation
3. refine advocacy strategies to promote changes in policy environments
4. 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.