UNHCR chief urges continued global support for Rohingya crisis

Wrapping up his four-day visit to Bangladesh on Sunday, Grandi praised Bangladesh’s generosity in hosting Rohingyas since the mass exodus in 2017. “Bangladesh has shown extraordinary hospitality, with local communities sharing their limited resources with refugees,” he stated, according to a UNHCR press release.  

Grandi stressed that the ultimate solution lies in ensuring the dignified, voluntary, and safe repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. He urged greater efforts to create conditions for peaceful reintegration in their homeland.  

“Steps must be taken to make Rakhine State livable for returnees, fostering peaceful coexistence with local communities,” he said. 

During his visit to the Kutupalong refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Grandi urged the international community to prevent funding shortages that could threaten food, healthcare, and security for displaced Rohingyas.  

“With time passing and no immediate resolution in sight, securing resources remains both a challenge and a priority,” he noted.  

He warned that drastic cuts in international aid could severely impact the efforts of Bangladesh, humanitarian agencies, and the Rohingyas themselves, potentially leaving thousands vulnerable to hunger, disease, and insecurity.  

Grandi engaged with recent Rohingya arrivals who had fled escalating violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. He also met with community leaders, imams, female religious teachers, and mothers who raised concerns about violence within the camps.  

“It is crucial to support Bangladesh in maintaining security in the camps, protect vulnerable women, and equip youth with skills to build resilience,” he emphasized.  

 This marks Grandi’s sixth visit to Bangladesh as UNHCR and the Bangladesh government prepare to launch the 2025 Joint Response Plan, outlining humanitarian needs for Rohingyas and host communities.  

He expressed concerns over consistent funding shortfalls in past years, noting: “Nowhere is the life-saving impact of humanitarian aid clearer than in Cox’s Bazar.”  

Following his visit, Grandi reiterated his message on X (formerly Twitter), urging the global community not to turn its back on the Rohingya crisis.