Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh face the possibility of halved food rations due to impending aid cuts linked to U.S. foreign aid freezes. The U.N. warns these cuts could severely impact over one million refugees, exacerbating food insecurity, health issues, and social unrest. International support is critical to safeguard the well-being of these displaced individuals.

In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, Rohingya refugees are facing severe challenges due to looming cuts to humanitarian aid. Initially persecuted in Myanmar, many have fled to Bangladesh, relying heavily on assistance to meet their basic needs. With potential funding cuts resulting from recent U.S. foreign aid freezes, over one million refugees may soon be left with inadequate sustenance, risking their survival.

Currently, no cuts have been implemented; however, the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) warns that, without adequate funding, food rations may be halved from $12.50 to $6 a month. This reduction would significantly affect the refugees residing in sprawling camps within Cox’s Bazar. While it is unclear if these changes are directly tied to U.S. budget decisions, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres criticized the reduction in aid from both the U.S. and European countries during a recent visit to the camps.

Although the U.S. Agency for International Development plays a crucial role in funding humanitarian efforts, numerous organizations also provide essential support. Should humanitarian aid decrease, the consequences for the Rohingya community could be dire. Guterres described the potential cuts as a “crime” and highlighted the urgent need for the international community to continue backing the refugees.

Aid workers have been vocal about the devastating impact of potential cuts, especially on vulnerable populations like women and children. WFP spokesperson Kun Li indicated that rations would indeed have to be reduced if funding is not secured. The plight of refugees, like Mahabub Alam, who used to be a local leader in Myanmar, illustrates the despair they face. With his family’s survival reliant solely on aid, Alam expressed fear over the implications of halved food rations.

Rohingya families, such as Alam’s and that of 46-year-old Tomida Khatun, who also fled Myanmar in 2017, are particularly concerned about both nourishment and medical care. They stress the dire need for adequate food support as well as financial assistance for treating chronic illnesses. The fear of social unrest due to escalating tensions over scarce resources looms large as well.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis and increased hardship for Rohingya refugees underscore the critical need for sustained international support. With the situation continuing to worsen under the threat of aid cuts, the future remains precarious for these individuals who have already endured significant trauma.

In conclusion, the impending cuts to humanitarian aid pose a severe threat to the survival and well-being of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The reliance on limited assistance has heightened concerns regarding food security, health care access, and the potential for unrest within the camps. It is imperative for the global community to ensure continued support for these vulnerable populations to prevent further deterioration of their circumstances.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com

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