UNHCR and IOM have warned that funding shortfalls could have severe consequences for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, jeopardizing food, shelter, and aid. They have launched a funding appeal for $934.5 million to assist 1.48 million people. Concerns about cuts to food rations persist, particularly after shifts in U.S. foreign aid policy, highlighting the need for continued support.

On Monday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) issued a serious warning regarding the potential impacts of funding shortfalls on Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. They highlighted that a decrease in donor contributions could severely affect essential services for this vulnerable population, especially in food assistance, cooking fuel, and shelter.

Both agencies, along with 113 other partners, have launched their first joint multi-year appeal seeking $934.5 million for the years 2025-2026. This funding aims to assist approximately 1.48 million individuals, including both Rohingya refugees and local communities in Bangladesh, emphasizing the urgent need for educational and nutritional support.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) also signaled potential cuts to food rations earlier in March, heightening concerns over increasing hunger among Rohingya refugees due to a broader shortfall in donations. Although WFP attributed this reduction to overall funding deficiencies, it is believed that the cessation of USAID operations might have contributed to the situation, given that the U.S. has historically been the largest donor for Rohingya aid.

Currently, Bangladesh is hosting over one million Rohingya, individuals from a marginalized Muslim minority fleeing violence in Myanmar since 2016 and 2017. Most reside within camps in the Cox’s Bazar area, where they face significant limitations on employment and educational opportunities. Last year alone, approximately 70,000 refugees crossed into Bangladesh, largely due to escalating hunger conditions in their native Rakhine state.

The plight of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh remains critical, as underscored by recent warnings from UN agencies about the repercussions of diminished funding. With a substantial appeal for aid already in place, it is imperative for global donors to prioritize support to prevent worsening conditions for these vulnerable individuals and communities.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com

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