KUALA LUMPUR - The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has warned that falling humanitarian funding could significantly worsen conditions for about 1.2 million Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh.
Nearly nine years after fleeing violence in Myanmar, many Rohingya refugees remain heavily dependent on aid as humanitarian organisations struggle to maintain essential services.
UNHCR said the situation has become more challenging as global crises increase and donor countries reduce funding for international humanitarian programmes.
The agency said an estimated 150,000 additional Rohingya refugees have arrived in Bangladesh since early 2024 after fleeing renewed violence in Myanmar.
Funding pressures have also intensified following reductions in aid contributions from the United States and several European countries.
Last month, the United Nations and the Bangladesh government launched a USD710.5 million funding appeal to support food, shelter, healthcare, education and protection services for refugees.
However, the appeal, which is already 26% lower than last year’s target, has received only about 60% of the required funding.
The appeal comes ahead of the ninth anniversary of the August 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, which forced around 750,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh.
“For decades, Rohingya people have been driven from their homes in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, with Bangladesh providing protection to successive movements of refugees since the late seventies,” UNHCR spokesperson, Babar Baloch said.
Conditions in the refugee camps remain difficult due to overcrowding, poor infrastructure and constant threats from extreme weather, disease outbreaks and security concerns.
Limited access to education and employment opportunities has left many refugees dependent on humanitarian assistance, while recent cuts to food rations have increased hardships.
Women, children, older persons and people with disabilities remain among the most vulnerable groups in the camps.
UNHCR said hopes for the safe return of refugees remain limited as conflict continues in Myanmar.
Growing desperation has also pushed more Rohingya to undertake dangerous sea journeys to countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia.
The agency said nearly 900 Rohingya were reported missing or dead during such journeys in 2025, making it the deadliest year on record.
“We just want the world not to forget that we are still living through this suffering, day after day, year after year.
“We see no clear future here and no way of returning home,” said refugee Mohammed Jashim, 35, a father of three from the camps in Bangladesh.
UNHCR has urged the international community to continue supporting Rohingya refugees until conditions allow for their safe and voluntary return to Myanmar.
