Bangladesh, March 6, 2025: The Rohingya Human Rights Center (RHRC) is deeply concerned about the United Nations’ decision to cut food rations for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh from $12.50 to just $6 per month. This drastic reduction, set to take effect on April 1, 2025, will have a devastating impact on the lives of more than one million Rohingya refugees living in overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar.
The Rohingya, a persecuted Muslim minority from Myanmar, fled violence and persecution in 2016 and 2017. They now rely entirely on humanitarian aid to survive. The current rations are already insufficient, and this new cut will push families to the brink of starvation. Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Bangladesh’s top official overseeing the refugee camps, said, “What they are receiving now is already not enough, so it’s hard to imagine the consequences of this new cut.”
The World Food Programme (WFP) has admitted that reducing rations below $6 would “fall below the minimum survival level and fail to meet basic dietary needs.” This cut will not only increase hunger but also heighten tensions within the camps, potentially leading to violence, illegal activities, and irregular migration.
The RHRC is alarmed by the potential risks this situation poses. Desperation caused by hunger could force refugees into dangerous situations, including human trafficking, child labor, and other forms of exploitation. The already fragile stability of the camps could collapse, leading to further suffering for the Rohingya community.
The WFP has stated that it tried to raise funds to maintain the current rations but failed to find enough donors. While the exact reason for the funding shortfall is unclear, the decision by the U.S. administration to cut foreign aid globally has had a significant impact on humanitarian programs worldwide. The U.S. was the largest donor to the Rohingya refugee response, and its withdrawal has left a critical gap in funding.
The RHRC urgently calls on international donors to step forward and provide the necessary funds to save the lives of more than one million Rohingya refugees. The international community must not turn its back on this vulnerable population. Immediate action is needed to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
We appeal to governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the Rohingya crisis and ensure that refugees receive the support they need to survive. The world cannot afford to let hunger and despair take over the lives of these innocent people. Together, we can make a difference and protect the rights and dignity of the Rohingya refugees.