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Speaking in Geneva on Tuesday, UNHCR UN spokesman Babar Baloch warned that sharp reductions in humanitarian and development funding were putting vital services at risk for one of the world’s largest refugee populations.
“The generous one Support from Bangladesh and the international community is essential in meeting their basic needs and providing protection,” he told reporters.
The largest wave of Rohingya refugees occurred in August 2017, when around 750,000 people fled violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and crossed into Bangladesh. UNHCR noted that support from Bangladesh and donors has been critical in meeting basic needs and providing protection since then.
Funding pressures are increasing
The agency’s appeal comes amid increasing global instability and humanitarian crises that have strained aid budgets around the world.
Last month, the UN and its partners, working with the Government of Bangladesh, launches appeal for $710.5 million to meet the most urgent needs of Rohingya refugees and host communities by 2026.
Despite the increase in need, the funding request is 26 percent lower than last year’s funding request, reflecting what the aid agency described as a “highly prioritized” response focused on the most critical needs.
Since 2017, humanitarian funding has helped maintain food aid, health services, education and protection. However, UNHCR warns that many needs remain and conditions could worsen if there is no ongoing support.
Rohingya refugees are still largely dependent on aid and have limited opportunities to earn income. Vulnerable groups – including women and girls, the elderly and people with disabilities – are particularly impacted by funding shortfalls. Challenges are also growing for some 150,000 new arrivals who have fled renewed violence in Rakhine state since early 2024.
Hampered humanitarian access and lack of funding leave communities without food, clean water and health services.
Fading hope of returning
UNHCR said ongoing conflict, persecution and insecurity in Myanmar continue to hinder the safe return of refugees.
As repatriation prospects diminish, an increasing number of Rohingya are making the dangerous sea journey to seek opportunities elsewhere in the region.
According to the agency, 2025 will be the deadliest year in the history of the crossing, with nearly 900 Rohingya refugees reported dead or missing in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal.
UNHCR stressed that maintaining minimal levels of humanitarian assistance could have more severe and costly consequences in the future.
“Until the conflict and violence cease, the international community must continue to stand in solidarity with refugees from Myanmar, including Rohingya refugees, and their host communities,” Baloch said, renewing the agency’s call to provide humanitarian support and efforts to enable the voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees when conditions permit.
