90pc of Rohingya funding goes to UN agencies

As the Rohingya crisis completes nine years and enters its tenth year, concerns have been raised over a major disparity in the distribution of humanitarian funding, with local civil society organizations receiving only a fraction of the resources allocated for the response.

Speakers at a press conference in Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday said that while nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees continue to depend on humanitarian assistance, the overwhelming majority of international funding is being channeled through UN agencies and international NGOs, leaving local organizations with limited access to resources and decision-making processes.

The Cox’s Bazar CSO-NGO Forum (CCNF) and COAST Foundation at the Cox’s Bazar Press Club jointly organized the press conference, titled “Where Is the Funding for the Rohingya Response Going?”.

International NGOs receive 7.78pc,national NGOs 4.26pc

Presenting research findings, Shahinur Islam of COAST Foundation said that the 2026 Joint Response Plan (JRP) requires USD 710.5 million to provide humanitarian assistance to 1.56 million Rohingyas.

According to the findings, 87.96 percent of the funding is held by UN agencies, while international NGOs receive 7.78 percent and national NGOs 4.26 percent. Local NGOs, however, have no direct allocation as appealing partners under the JRP, he said.

The disparity is also evident in funding specifically allocated for Rohingya camps, where international NGOs receive 63.6 percent, national NGOs 33.9 percent, and local NGOs only 2.5 percent, according to the research. 

The study further found that of approximately USD 150 million in US funding for the response, around 92 percent was channeled to UN agencies and the remaining 8 percent to international NGOs.

Speakers argued that the current funding structure relies heavily on UN agencies and international organizations, which also incur significant operational costs, while local organizations�"despite their proximity to affected communities and understanding of local realities�"remain largely excluded from direct funding mechanisms.

Anjuman Ara called for at least 25 percent of humanitarian funding to be directly allocated to local NGOs, while Helal Uddin, Executive Director of Agrajatra, demanded that local organizations be included as appealing partners in the Joint Response Plan to enable them to access funds directly.

Nurul Islam Helali, President of the Journalist Association Cox’s Bazar, said funding for local NGOs should not be viewed as charity but as a legitimate right and recognition of their role in the humanitarian response.

The speakers also highlighted the growing challenges facing the host community, including environmental degradation, pressure on agricultural land, water resources, education and local livelihoods.

Nasir Uddin said that the lack of progress in Rohingya repatriation has intensified frustration and uncertainty among host communities. He emphasized the need for long-term investment in education and skills development for local residents.

Other speakers called for stronger environmental protection, restoration of surface water and agricultural land, and a sustainable waste-management system for the refugee camps.

They also urged ASEAN, China and other regional and international actors to play a more active role in finding a durable solution to the crisis and ensuring the safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar.

The speakers collectively stressed that a sustainable and peaceful solution to the decade-long crisis will require not only increased international support but also meaningful participation of local organizations and host communities in humanitarian planning, funding and implementation.