DHAKA, 29 March 2011 (IRIN) - The introduction of national ID cards may lead to further institutionalized discrimination of Burmese Rohingya asylum-seekers (unregistered refugees) living in southeastern Bangladesh, experts warn.

A report by US-based NGO Refugees International to be released next month is expected to highlight how lack of access to public services and gainful employment for non-ID card holders will contribute to severe food insecurity for the Rohingyas.

The new national ID card, to be rolled out by the government and the World Bank this summer, will replace the 2008 voter registration card which had until now been used unofficially as a means of identification.


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