Press Release
October 2, 2025
The Arakan Rohingya National Organisation (ARNO) expresses deep appreciation to the United Kingdom for their generous renewed pledges of $36 million and to the United States for their generous pledge of $60 million, for Rohingya refugee humanitarian assistance, announced at the recent UN High-Level Conference on the Rohingya crisis in New York. These vital funds will sustain critical aid programs for displaced Rohingya communities in Bangladesh, providing essential services such as food, healthcare, protection, and education.
ARNO reiterates the urgency of the Rohingya crisis rooted in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, the homeland of the Rohingya. Currently, nearly all Rohingya areas in northern Rakhine are under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), which has replaced the Myanmar military as the de facto authority following a series of military defeats. While the AA controls approximately 14 out of 17 townships, including Maungdaw and Buthidaung—home to most of Myanmar’s remaining Rohingya population—this shift has not eased the suffering of the Rohingya. The AA has imposed harsh restrictions and is accused of serious human rights abuses against Rohingya civilians, including forced labour and discriminatory policies. This complex environment, combined with the conflict with the Myanmar military and blockades imposed by the Myanmar military, has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis marked by food shortages, destruction of homes, and displacement.
Education remains a critical concern for Rohingya children and youth. Many have been deprived of formal schooling due to displacement, restricted access, and funding shortfalls. ARNO strongly advocates for prioritized educational support in refugee camps and host communities, including access to safe learning environments, qualified teachers, language and skills training, and opportunities to continue higher education. Education is essential for preserving the Rohingya identity, empowering the community, and laying a foundation for a future rooted in dignity and self-determination.
The pledges from the UK and US reinforce global solidarity but must be complemented by political efforts to end the cycle of violence, ensure accountability for atrocities, and restore full citizenship rights to the Rohingya in Myanmar. ARNO calls upon all stakeholders to urgently increase their support and engagement towards durable solutions that prioritize Rohingya safety, justice, and human rights.
