TRAVERSE Issue 40 - February 2024 | Page 47

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dense living in makeshift structures , tarpaulin , canvas , and discarded materials held in place with bamboo and timber from the nearby forests , itself undergoing extreme change due to the impact of humanity seeking an existence . If timber isn ’ t being used for construction it certainly is for energy , vast tracts of vegetation are being stripped for firewood . This is affecting the natural environment , local elephant migratory routes are being disrupted , in turn this has seen the large animals become aggressive , at least thirteen refugees have been killed by elephants which often leads to retaliation . The elephants of the region are on the verge of extinction . Many refugees have begun work to relocate the elephants and protect them from doom , it ’ s a task that is giving the people some purpose as well as removing them from the dangers of the camp .
“ The experiences they have gone through , such as war , violence , and displacement , can leave lasting psychological scars ,” explains Imran . “ Unfortunately , women and children are particularly vulnerable to abuse and trafficking in these situations . The lack of stability and protection in refugee camps or during their journey exposes them to various forms of exploitation .” Human trafficking has become a serious problem with many women and children being sold as sex-slaves . To combat this the Bangladesh government has put
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