The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) and its humanitarian partners have urged the international community not to overlook the plight of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, warning that rising global crises and funding pressures are threatening critical assistance for nearly 1.2 million displaced people.
The appeal comes as Bangladesh approaches the ninth anniversary of the mass displacement of Rohingyas from Myanmar, with most refugees continuing to live in camps in Cox’s Bazar.
Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva on Tuesday, UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch said sustained international support remains essential to meet refugees’ basic needs and ensure their protection.
Rohingyas have faced decades of persecution and displacement in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, with Bangladesh hosting successive waves of refugees since the late 1970s. The largest influx came in August 2017, when about 750,000 people fled following a military crackdown.
UNHCR said Bangladesh’s continued hospitality, combined with international assistance, has helped provide shelter, food, health care, education and protection services over the years.
Lower funding appeal amid rising needs
Last month, the United Nations and its partners, in coordination with the Bangladesh government, launched a $710.5 million appeal to meet urgent needs of Rohingya refugees and host communities.
Despite rising humanitarian needs, the appeal is 26% lower than last year’s request, reflecting broader funding constraints affecting aid operations worldwide.
The agency warned that increasing global instability and competing emergencies are forcing difficult decisions over limited resources, putting essential services for vulnerable populations at risk.
Since 2017, international funding has sustained life-saving assistance and improved access to education, health care and protection services in the camps.
However, UNHCR cautioned that significant needs remain and the situation could deteriorate without continued global solidarity.
Refugees remain heavily aid-dependent
UNHCR said Rohingya refugees continue to rely heavily on humanitarian assistance as economic opportunities remain limited and aid budgets face reductions.
Women and girls, older people, persons with disabilities, and about 150,000 people who fled renewed violence in Rakhine State since early 2024 are among those most affected by worsening conditions.
The agency also expressed concern over diminishing prospects for safe return to Myanmar, citing ongoing conflict, targeted violence and persecution.
As a result, many Rohingyas are increasingly undertaking dangerous sea journeys in search of safety and better opportunities elsewhere.
According to UNHCR, 2025 was the deadliest year on record for such movements, with nearly 900 Rohingya reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
Call for sustained support
UNHCR said the current funding appeal focuses on urgent humanitarian priorities while also seeking to promote self-reliance and reduce long-term dependence on aid.
Donors have so far contributed around 60% of the required funding.
However, the agency warned that maintaining only minimum levels of support would not be sufficient to meet growing needs.
Without adequate assistance, living conditions could worsen further, potentially increasing future humanitarian and financial costs.
UNHCR stressed that the international community must continue supporting both Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi communities hosting them until conditions in Myanmar allow for voluntary, safe and dignified return.