Local NGOs seek 25pc direct funding

Humanitarian actors have called for at least 25 per cent of humanitarian funding for the Rohingya response to be channelled directly to local and national non-governmental organisations (NGOs), urging international agencies and donors to ensure equitable partnerships, strengthen local leadership and fulfil localisation commitments under the Grand Bargain.

They expressed concern over the limited participation of local organisations in humanitarian decision-making and resource allocation, despite their vital role in delivering assistance to Rohingya refugees and affected host communities.

The concerns were raised at an online seminar “Grand Bargain beyond 2026: Locals’ Perspective”, jointly organised on Saturday by COAST Foundation, BDCSO COAST and the Cox’s Bazar CSO-NGO Forum (CCNF).

In a keynote paper, Md. Iqbal Uddin of BDCSO COAST said UN agencies lead all eight major sectors in the Rohingya response coordination structure, with one sector co-led by an international NGO. No sector is led by a national or local NGO, he said. He also cited the 2026 Joint Response Plan (JRP) funding figures, which showed that 87.96 per cent of the funding was allocated to UN agencies, 7.78 per cent to international NGOs and 4.26 per cent to national NGOs, with no allocation reported for local NGOs. The funding distribution raises serious questions about progress towards fulfilling localisation commitments, he said, adding that direct funding continues to reach only a limited number of local NGOs.

Netai Chandra Dey Sarkar, director (MIM) of the Directorate of Disaster Management, attended as the chief guest. He stressed the need for capacity-sharing rather than blaming local organisations, calling for stronger capacity development and at least 25 per cent of humanitarian funding to be channelled directly to local NGOs.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, executive director of COAST Foundation, chaired the session, while Mustafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD moderated it.

Clarence Sutharshan, country director of Tearfund, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to locally led humanitarian action and strengthening the capacities of local actors.

Rezaul Karim said UN agencies and international NGOs should focus on facilitation, while local NGOs should take the lead in implementation.

Md. Abdul Alim of ActionAid Bangladesh said some UN agencies channel funding through intermediary organisations and describe the practice as localisation. He called for a country-level definition clarifying the respective roles of UN agencies, international NGOs and local organisations.