World News
UN Appeals for $710 Million to Support Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh Amid Growing Humanitarian Crisis
The United Nations and its humanitarian partners have launched a major appeal for USD 710.5 million to support Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh, warning that millions could face worsening conditions as global humanitarian funding continues to shrink.
The United Nations and its humanitarian partners have launched a major appeal for USD 710.5 million to support Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh, warning that millions could face worsening conditions as global humanitarian funding continues to shrink.
The appeal, prepared in coordination with the Government of Bangladesh, aims to provide lifesaving assistance to Rohingya refugees staying in camps in Cox’s Bazar and on Bhasan Char, along with support for local host communities affected by the prolonged crisis.
According to the UN, the 2026 Joint Response Plan (JRP) is designed to assist nearly 1.56 million people, including both refugees and vulnerable Bangladeshi communities. However, officials said the funding request has already been reduced by 26% compared to last year due to growing financial pressures worldwide.
Funding Cuts Raise Concerns Over Essential Services
The UN said the requested USD 710.5 million represents only the minimum amount needed to maintain critical humanitarian operations. The funds will primarily cover food, shelter, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, education, and livelihood support.
Out of the total amount:
- USD 247.3 million has been allocated for food assistance
- USD 128 million for shelter support
- USD 61.2 million for water, sanitation, and hygiene services
- USD 52.7 million for education
- USD 49.9 million for healthcare
- USD 35.1 million for livelihood and skills development programs
Additionally, USD 36.2 million will be used to support Bangladeshi host communities that continue to share resources with refugee populations.
Humanitarian agencies warned that without sustained international support, many Rohingya families could lose access to basic necessities that have helped them survive over the past several years.
UN Warns Refugees Are Becoming Increasingly Vulnerable
Speaking on the crisis, Kelly T. Clements, Deputy High Commissioner of UNHCR, stressed the importance of helping refugees become more self-reliant while maintaining humanitarian protections.
He said that as funding becomes more limited, refugees need greater opportunities to build skills, earn livelihoods, and maintain hope for the future until safe conditions allow them to return to Myanmar.
The UN also highlighted the worsening economic conditions inside refugee camps. In 2025, nearly 35% of Rohingya households were fully dependent on humanitarian food aid, while many others relied on unstable temporary work opportunities. Women, children, elderly people, and persons with disabilities remain among the most vulnerable groups.
Return to Myanmar Remains Uncertain
The humanitarian situation has become even more complicated due to ongoing conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, making the possibility of a safe return increasingly uncertain for Rohingya refugees.
As desperation grows, more refugees are reportedly attempting dangerous sea journeys to other countries in the region. According to humanitarian agencies, 2025 became the deadliest year on record for such voyages. Just last month, a boat carrying more than 270 people capsized, with only nine survivors reported.
International Donors Visit Rohingya Camps
The latest funding appeal came shortly after a high-level donor mission visited Rohingya camps and host communities in Cox’s Bazar and Dhaka. Representatives from several countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, participated in the visit alongside UN officials.
The humanitarian community has once again emphasized that the long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis remains the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees to Myanmar. Until then, the UN says continued global solidarity is essential to protect refugees and support Bangladesh, which has hosted displaced Rohingya communities for years.
