UN warns funding decline risks worsening Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh

What happened

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) warned on Tuesday that declining humanitarian funding is putting at risk essential services for approximately 1.2 million Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh, who fled Myanmar nearly nine years ago. The report highlights challenges as aid groups struggle to sustain food, shelter, healthcare, education, and protection services amid tightening donor budgets and multiple global crises.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. Since early 2024, about 150,000 additional Rohingya have arrived in Bangladesh after fleeing renewed violence in Myanmar, increasing pressure on already overcrowded and fragile refugee camps. UNHCR noted that the US and some European countries have reduced aid funding in recent years, while the current $710.5 million UN and Bangladesh government appeal to support the refugees is only about 60 percent funded and 26 percent lower than the previous year.

Conditions in the camps remain difficult, with refugees facing constant risks from extreme weather, disease, and insecurity, compounded by cuts in food rations and limited access to education and jobs. Vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities bear the brunt of these hardships. The report stresses that prospects for safe return to Myanmar are currently slim due to ongoing conflict.

Known from the source

• UNHCR warned about declining humanitarian funding threatening aid for 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
• About 150,000 Rohingya fled renewed violence in Myanmar and arrived in Bangladesh since early 2024.
• The current aid appeal by the UN and Bangladesh government totals $710.5 million USD, approximately 60% funded and 26% lower than last year.
• Conditions in camps are overcrowded and fragile, with consistent risks from weather, disease, and insecurity.
• Nearly 900 Rohingya were reported missing or dead at sea in 2025, the deadliest year on record for such journeys.

What remains unclear

Increasing desperation has pushed some Rohingya to attempt dangerous sea journeys to Malaysia or Indonesia, with nearly 900 reported missing or dead in 2025, marking the deadliest recorded year for such voyages. UNHCR cautioned that without sustained international financial support, the situation is likely to deteriorate, urging donors to maintain assistance until safe and dignified returns become possible.

What remains unclear: Recent data on refugee arrivals since early 2024 and updated casualty figures for sea crossings. Official humanitarian funding commitments versus appeal levels. Current status and condition reports from inside the Rohingya camps. Verification of UNHCR statements in the latest public releases.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: DVB English. Open the source.