UN chief vows to secure funding for Rohingya humanitarian aid

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reaffirmed his commitment on Friday to securing essential funding for the Rohingya refugees, ensuring they do not face worsening conditions due to a lack of resources.

"We will do everything in our power to prevent a humanitarian crisis and will engage with nations worldwide to mobilize the necessary support," Guterres stated during his visit to the Balukhali Rohingya camp (Camp 18) in Cox’s Bazar.

He emphasized the urgency of international support, warning against the world turning its back on the Rohingya crisis. "The global community cannot forget the Rohingya. I will use my voice to advocate for their needs and ensure they receive the necessary assistance to live with dignity in Bangladesh," he asserted.

Guterres also reiterated the Rohingya people's desire to return to Myanmar, stressing that global efforts must focus on restoring peace and ensuring their rights are upheld. "It is vital that the international community works towards a peaceful resolution in Myanmar, enabling the safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees," he said.

With funding shortages and shifting international priorities threatening critical humanitarian aid, INGOs warn that failure to act will exacerbate economic pressures and social tensions in host communities.

Severe funding cuts, set to take effect in April, will reduce food rations by over half, further straining essential services such as nutrition, water and sanitation, protection, shelter, and livelihoods, according to a statement from INGOs.

Now in its eighth year, the Rohingya crisis continues to place a heavy burden on Bangladesh’s resources while donor commitments decline amid competing global emergencies.

INGOs emphasise the need for a long-term, sustainable approach that integrates humanitarian relief, development, and peace-building.

They advocate for the implementation of a Triple Nexus Approach, which links immediate aid efforts with economic opportunities, skills training, and livelihood programs to reduce dependency and foster self-reliance among both Rohingya refugees and host communities.

Hasina Rahman, representative of the INGO Strategic Executive Group for Rohingya Response and Country Director of the International Rescue Committee, emphasised the urgency of political commitment.

“The Rohingya crisis is not just a resource crisis but a crisis of political will. The UN and the international community must ensure sustained support and invest in long-term solutions,” she stated.

Leading humanitarian organisations—including ACF, ActionAid, Cordaid, Concern Worldwide, DRC, Handicap International, International Rescue Committee, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Plan International, Save the Children, and World Vision—have collectively called for renewed global support.

Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, warned against neglecting the issue. “Without immediate and decisive action, we risk allowing the Rohingya crisis to become a forgotten tragedy. A people-cantered approach, ensuring livelihoods, skills, and education opportunities, is the way forward,” she said.

Oxfam Bangladesh Country Director Ashish Damle called for a structured and dedicated mission to manage the crisis effectively. “The Rohingya are not just numbers in a database—they are human beings. Given the prolonged nature of this crisis, we urge global stakeholders to consider a sustainable response,” he remarked.

While continued humanitarian support remains essential, INGOs stressed that the ultimate solution lies in the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar. Achieving this requires stronger international diplomatic efforts to ensure Myanmar recognizes their rights, guarantees their safety, and creates conditions conducive to their return.

INGOs also emphasised the need for regional and global engagement to explore sustainable pathways, including resettlement options.

Kabita Bose, country director of Plan International Bangladesh, highlighted the plight of Rohingya women and children. “Half of the people in the refugee camps are women and girls, while more than 500,000 children are growing up in uncertainty. The world must stand by them until we can ensure safe and dignified repatriation,” she said.

Sibghatullah Ahmed, country manager of Handicap International Federation, stressed the importance of inclusive support. “We emphasise the need for greater collaboration to address the needs of the entire displaced community, including persons with disabilities, while working toward sustainable and long-term solutions,” he said.

Echoing the collective call for action, Sumitra Mukherjee, country director of the Danish Refugee Council in Bangladesh, urged global stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment.

“We must unite, strengthen our coordination, and ensure that the Rohingya and host communities don’t feel abandoned by the international system,” she said.

With the crisis at a critical juncture, INGOs are calling on the international community to step up before conditions further deteriorate.

They stress that bold and decisive action is needed to secure a sustainable future where Rohingya refugees and host communities are not left in limbo but empowered to reclaim their rights and dignity.

During his visit, Guterres toured UN-operated facilities, including the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Rohingya cultural memorial center in Camp 18, Ukhiya.

Earlier in the day, Guterres and Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus arrived in Cox’s Bazar to attend various programs, including a visit to the refugee camp. They were welcomed at Cox’s Bazar International Airport by Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam Bir Protik.

As part of his Ramadan solidarity visit, the UN chief joined an iftar gathering with Rohingya refugees, hosted by Dr. Yunus. "Every Ramadan, I spend time with Muslim communities facing hardships, sharing the fast with them and drawing attention to their struggles. This year, I am in Bangladesh to stand in solidarity with the Rohingya and their generous hosts," Guterres said.

Guterres and Yunus also met with Bangladeshi host communities, acknowledging their support for the refugees. Later in the evening, they returned to Dhaka.

Earlier in the day, Guterres held a bilateral meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus in Tejgaon, discussing mutual concerns, including the Rohingya crisis. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and Chief Adviser's High Representative Dr. Khalilur Rahman also met with Guterres before his meeting with the Chief Adviser.

On Saturday, the UN chief will engage with youth and civil society representatives in Dhaka and hold a joint press conference with Foreign Adviser Hossain. He is set to depart Bangladesh on Sunday morning.