UN urges world not to forget Rohingya refugees as aid cuts threaten vital support
UN Urges World Not to Forget Rohingya Refugees as Aid Cuts Threaten Vital Support
UN urges world not to forget - As the ninth year of the Rohingya refugee crisis unfolds, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has issued a renewed call for sustained international support. With over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees currently residing in Bangladesh, the agency highlights the growing risks to essential services due to declining humanitarian and development funding. The refugee population, primarily concentrated in camps within Cox’s Bazar, faces mounting challenges as global priorities shift and resources dwindle.
International Support Under Threat
Speaking in Geneva, UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch emphasized the critical role of aid in maintaining basic needs and protection for the displaced community. He warned that drastic reductions in funding are endangering the stability of refugee services, which have been vital since the mass exodus began nearly a decade ago. “The generosity of Bangladesh and the international community has been essential in ensuring survival and security for these refugees,” he said, underscoring the urgency of continued financial commitment.
“Until the conflict and violence stop, the international community must continue to stand in solidarity with refugees from Myanmar, including Rohingya refugees, and their host communities,” said Mr. Baloch, renewing the agency’s call for humanitarian support and efforts to enable the voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees when conditions allow.
A Decade of Displacement
The largest wave of Rohingya refugees arrived in August 2017, when approximately 750,000 individuals fled persecution in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Since then, UNHCR has documented the resilience of both the refugees and the host communities in Bangladesh, which have relied heavily on international aid to meet their needs. This support has been instrumental in providing food, shelter, healthcare, and education, even as the refugee population grew to its current size.
However, the agency now reports a 26% decrease in funding compared to the previous year’s appeal. This reduction, which totals $710.5 million for 2026, reflects a global trend of prioritizing immediate crises over long-term refugee care. While the funds are intended to address the most urgent requirements, aid organizations caution that this approach risks leaving vulnerable groups exposed to worsening conditions.
Challenges for Host Communities
Rohingya refugees remain largely dependent on external assistance, with limited means to generate income or sustain themselves independently. Women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by budget cuts, as their access to essential resources like clean water and medical care is most at risk. The situation has grown even more dire for around 150,000 new arrivals who fled renewed violence in Rakhine State since early 2024.
Blocked access to humanitarian aid and dwindling financial resources have left many communities struggling to meet basic survival needs. The UNHCR highlights that without sustained support, the quality of life for refugees could deteriorate significantly, particularly in areas where infrastructure is already strained. “The current funding levels may only cover minimal operations, jeopardizing the long-term viability of protection and assistance programs,” Baloch explained.
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
The global instability that has emerged in recent years has further stretched humanitarian budgets, creating a scenario where aid is stretched thin across multiple crises. In this context, the Rohingya situation is seen as one of the most pressing, yet it risks being overshadowed by other emergencies. Baloch stressed that maintaining only the barest level of support could lead to more severe consequences, including increased displacement and higher mortality rates.
Recent data from the UNHCR reveals that 2025 marked the deadliest year for Rohingya sea crossings since the crisis began. Nearly 900 refugees were reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal, as more individuals sought safer shores through perilous journeys. These crossings, often undertaken by families with young children, highlight the desperation driving the refugee crisis and the potential for even greater loss if aid remains insufficient.
Pathways to a Sustainable Solution
While the immediate focus remains on alleviating suffering, the UNHCR also advocates for long-term solutions that address the root causes of displacement. The agency reiterates that repatriation is possible but requires stable conditions in Myanmar, where ongoing conflict and persecution continue to block safe return routes. “The Rohingya have shown remarkable adaptability in their new environment, but they cannot thrive without adequate resources and security,” Baloch noted.
Efforts to facilitate voluntary repatriation are gaining momentum, though they face hurdles such as political instability in Myanmar and the reluctance of some refugees to return without guarantees of safety. The UNHCR is working closely with Bangladesh and regional partners to develop strategies that balance immediate relief with sustainable integration. This includes improving access to education and employment opportunities, which are crucial for the long-term well-being of the refugee population.
With the global aid landscape evolving rapidly, the UNHCR’s appeal serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of humanitarian challenges. The agency urges donors to recognize the importance of maintaining consistent support, even as new crises demand attention. “Every dollar allocated to Rohingya refugees today ensures their survival tomorrow,” Baloch said, emphasizing the need for unwavering commitment in the face of growing uncertainty.