UN agencies warn of dire consequences for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh if funding drops. They seek $934.5 million to support nearly 1.5 million individuals through food and educational initiatives. Recent cuts to aid raise concerns of worsening conditions for refugees who fled violence in Myanmar.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration warned that cuts in global donor funding could severely impact Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Their statement coincided with the launch of an appeal for multi-year funding aimed at providing essential food and educational support to those affected by the prolonged conflict in Myanmar.

The agencies, in collaboration with 113 partners, are seeking $934.5 million for the initial year of the 2025-2026 funding appeal, intending to assist approximately 1.48 million individuals, which includes both Rohingya refugees and host communities. Failure to secure adequate funding could lead to drastic reductions in vital services such as food assistance, cooking fuel, and shelter, compelling refugees to undertake perilous journeys in search of safety.

In March, the World Food Programme (WFP) raised alarms about possible reductions in food rations for the Rohingya due to a significant drop in donations, a situation exacerbated by the recent suspension of USAID operations. Although WFP clarified that the drops were due to funding issues rather than political decisions, reports suggest that U.S. cuts to foreign aid may have had a considerable effect since the U.S. has historically been the leading donor to Rohingya relief efforts.

Currently, over one million Rohingya refugees reside in Bangladesh after fleeing persecution in Myanmar, particularly during the violent episodes of 2016 and 2017. In the past year alone, around 70,000 Rohingya have crossed into Bangladesh, driven by escalating hunger in their home region of Rakhine, further emphasizing their plight in the overcrowded refugee camps.

In summary, the UNHCR and IOM have issued a critical warning regarding the potential repercussions of funding shortfalls for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The call for $934.5 million is urgent to secure necessary support for the refugees and their host communities. Continuous financial aid is vital to prevent escalating humanitarian crises amongst this vulnerable population, particularly as previous funding cuts threaten their basic needs and safety.

Original Source: www.usnews.com

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