The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has raised alarms over the dwindling support for over one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh due to severe funding shortages. With only 35% of the needed $255 million secured, essential services such as food, healthcare, and education are at risk in Cox’s Bazar, home to the world’s largest refugee settlement. The majority of these refugees, primarily Muslim Rohingya, escaped Myanmar’s military crackdown in Rakhine state in 2017, with an additional 150,000 arriving in the past 18 months due to ongoing violence.
The funding shortfall has already led to reduced aid, with the World Food Programme cutting monthly food rations from $12.50 to $12 per person, heightening risks of malnutrition, particularly for children and pregnant women. Community leaders warn that declining support could worsen living conditions, potentially increasing crime and forcing more refugees to risk dangerous sea voyages to nations like Malaysia and Indonesia.
Bangladesh, despite its own resource limitations, continues to host the refugees and has urged the international community to provide more support. The UNHCR is calling for increased donor contributions to avert a humanitarian crisis and ensure the Rohingya’s basic needs and safety are met.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 12th, 2025
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