Rohingya response plan faces criticism over exclusion of local NGOs

Local civil society groups and NGO leaders have expressed concern over the exclusion of local NGOs from the implementation framework of the 2026 Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya humanitarian response, urging the UN refugee agency and other stakeholders to uphold localization commitments and prioritize a clear roadmap for safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation.

Speaking at a press conference organized by the Cox’s Bazar CSO NGO Forum (CCNF) at the Cox’s Bazar Press Club on Tuesday, speakers said the continued exclusion of local NGOs contradicts global localization pledges under the Grand Bargain, of which UNHCR is a signatory.

They also criticized the limited participation of local actors in the JRP launch event, alleging that a proposed speech by a local NGO representative was dropped while international NGO representatives were given the platform to speak on behalf of local stakeholders.

The speakers called for a revised “JRP 2.0” framework that would prioritize a structured roadmap for the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, alongside greater inclusion of local and national organizations in planning and implementation.

The event noted that the Rohingya crisis has entered its ninth year, with around 1.2 million refugees currently hosted in Cox’s Bazar since the mass displacement in 2017. Bangladesh authorities, UN agencies, and humanitarian partners have continued coordinated relief efforts under successive Joint Response Plans.

Criticizing the current funding structure, speakers claimed that a disproportionate share of humanitarian funds is channelled through UN agencies, with limited access for local organizations. They also alleged that recent allocations show 92 percent of certain US government-linked funds going to UN agencies and 8 percent to international NGOs, leaving local actors sidelined.

Concerns were also raised over the allocation for host communities, with speakers stating that only 5 percent of the JRP 2026 budget is earmarked for them, which they argued should be increased to 25�"30 percent in line with government expectations.

Local representatives further alleged concentration of funding among a few NGOs, calling for more equitable distribution and transparency in humanitarian financing. One speaker also questioned the absence of prior stakeholder consultation on the 2026 JRP, unlike in previous years.

Environmental concerns were also highlighted, including calls for urgent measures to address groundwater depletion in Cox’s Bazar, with suggestions to supply treated water from the Naf River.

Speakers at the event included representatives from local NGOs, union parishad members, business leaders, women’s organizations, and civil society activists. CCNF leaders urged both the government and UN agencies to ensure meaningful participation of local actors in all stages of the refugee response.