Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has urged the international community not to overlook more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees residing in Bangladesh, primarily in camps in Cox’s Bazar. This appeal coincides with the ninth anniversary of the largest influx of Rohingya fleeing violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State in 2017.
In Geneva, UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch warned that sharp declines in humanitarian and development funding threaten vital services for this population. Since 2017, donor and Bangladesh government support have been crucial for providing food assistance, healthcare, education, and protection. However, significant unmet needs persist, and conditions may worsen without ongoing aid.
In 2026, the UN and partners, including the Government of Bangladesh, launched an appeal for $710.5 million to address urgent needs of both refugees and host communities. This figure is 26 percent lower than the previous year’s request, reflecting a targeted allocation to critical priorities amid growing global demands and limited resources.
Rohingya refugees largely rely on external aid due to limited livelihood opportunities. Vulnerable groups—such as women, girls, older persons, and those with disabilities—are especially affected by funding gaps. The situation has further intensified for approximately 150,000 new refugees who arrived since early 2024 after renewed violence in Rakhine State.
Access restrictions and funding shortfalls have left communities without essentials like food, clean water, and healthcare. With ongoing conflict and insecurity in Myanmar, UNHCR says prospects for safe refugee return remain slim. Many Rohingya resort to hazardous sea journeys seeking better conditions in the region, with 2025 reported as the deadliest year on record for such crossings.