Proposed cuts to U.S. foreign aid threaten refugees in Bangladesh, reducing food allowances to just $6 per month. U.N. officials warn of a significant humanitarian crisis as humanitarian agencies struggle to meet needs amidst reduced global support. Secretary General António Guterres highlights that the potential decline in resources could lead to severe suffering and fatalities among refugees.

The potential cuts to foreign aid under the Trump administration pose a grave threat to the survival of refugees, particularly at the world’s largest refugee camp for Rohingya people in Bangladesh. Current plans indicate that food allowances could decrease to an alarming $6 per month per person, significantly below the necessary amount for survival as stated by aid officials.

In April, food rations in the camp are expected to drop to approximately 18 pounds of rice, two pounds of lentils, one liter of cooking oil, and a small amount of salt for each individual for an entire month. This drastic reduction in food supply jeopardizes the well-being of more than a million refugees.

Humanitarian efforts are being severely impacted by the suspension of U.S. aid, which has historically been a vital resource. Consequently, aid agencies, grappling with ongoing conflicts in various regions, are striving to compensate for the U.S. government’s withdrawal. Concurrently, many European countries are also scaling back humanitarian support as they prioritize military expenditure in response to geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Russia.

During his recent visit to the Rohingya camp, U.N. Secretary General António Guterres highlighted the looming humanitarian crisis. He underscored the dire predictions, stating that without sufficient financial assistance, available resources for humanitarian aid could drop to just 40 percent in 2025 compared to 2024 levels. Guterres ominously remarked, “That would be an unmitigated disaster. People will suffer, and people will die.”

The proposed cuts to U.S. foreign aid under the Trump administration are set to create a humanitarian crisis affecting the survival of refugees, particularly in Bangladesh’s Rohingya camp. With aid agencies already burdened by conflicts and reduced contributions from European nations, the situation remains precarious. U.N. Secretary General António Guterres cautions that these cuts could lead to a dramatic reduction in necessary resources, ultimately resulting in increased suffering and loss of life among vulnerable populations.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com

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