The Impact of President Trump’s Order to Halt USAID Funding in the Rohingya Refugee Camps of Cox’s Bazar

By: RO Maung Shwe

A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding

The Trump administration’s executive order to suspend US-funded projects worldwide has significantly impacted the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, where over 1.2 million Rohingya people reside after fleeing persecution in Myanmar.

These camps, which have endured hardships for decades, now face additional uncertainty due to the funding suspension.

While emergency food deliveries by the World Food Programme (WFP), supported by the US, continue in Cox’s Bazar, Ukhia, and Teknaf, critical sectors such as healthcare, waste management, and site management have already been halted.

The Trump administration is currently reviewing all US funds and projects for 90 days before making a final decision.

The Immediate Impact on Aid Organizations and Development Workers

Development professionals in Bangladesh, who were working on nearly 100 projects funded by $450 million in the previous year, are already experiencing difficulties. Many have been instructed to stay at home or work remotely, but in reality, they have no assignments due to the funding freeze.

Initially, there was hope that the Rohingya humanitarian response would not be affected by the order, especially after the US officially recognized the Rohingya genocide in 2022 and pledged to hold the Myanmar junta accountable.

However, officials are now seriously concerned as the US remains the largest donor to the Rohingya crisis. Foreign aid for the Rohingya has been declining, with an increasing number of conflicts worldwide competing for resources.

Funding and Humanitarian Needs

According to the United Nations, the total humanitarian requirement for the Rohingya in 2024 is $852.4 million. Last year, the US contributed $301 million, accounting for 55% of the total $548.9 million provided by foreign donors.

Major NGOs operating in the Rohingya camps include BRAC, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Save the Children, CARE Bangladesh, and various UN agencies.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization (GAVI) play a crucial role in providing medical care and vaccinations, especially for women and children.

Mizanur Rahman, the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), expressed grave concerns:

“If the US government stops funding WHO and GAVI, it will be a serious humanitarian crisis. These organizations provide life-saving vaccines, and without them, healthcare access for the Rohingya will be severely limited. The suspension of hospitals will increase pressure on other medical facilities, leading to a decline in healthcare quality.”

He added, “During Trump’s previous tenure, the US continued humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya. However, at least five hospitals in the refugee camps, previously funded by US aid, have already been suspended.”

Impact on Health Services in the Camps

Ayesha Begum, a resident of Camp 6, shared her distressing experience: “My daughter has been suffering from an undiagnosed illness for over two months. We are a family of nine, and my husband cannot work due to the torture he endured in Myanmar. Our assigned healthcare facility has stopped operating due to the USAID funding issue. If it were still open, my daughter could have received treatment. Many parents like me are facing the same crisis.”

Education Disruptions Due to Funding Cuts

Mohammed Aziz, a 19-year-old resident of Camp 1W, expressed his disappointment: “Last month, 18 of us enrolled in a six-month training program under the Center for Peace and Justice (CPJ) at BRAC University. We had high hopes for our future, but we have been informed that the project has been suspended due to the US funding cut.”

Concerns Among Community Health Workers

Several community health workers shared their concerns about the impact of funding cuts: “We provided essential health services, including emergency care, maternal healthcare, neonatal care, immunizations, and disease prevention programs.

These services protected our community from deadly outbreaks. With the suspension of US funding, we are now unable to continue our work, leaving the entire community vulnerable.”

Economic Impact and Loss of Income

Community workers also highlighted the financial difficulties they are now facing: “We worked to serve our own people and felt a sense of fulfillment in doing so. In return, we earned some money to support our families. This income helped us stay away from unethical activities such as gambling, human trafficking, and drug dealing. However, with the US funding cut, we have lost our jobs, and our families are now struggling financially. Without stable income, we risk falling into desperate situations.”

Conclusion: A Call for Humanitarian Support

The suspension of USAID funding has had severe consequences for the Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar. Essential sectors such as healthcare, education, and livelihoods are suffering, leading to increased hardship among the most vulnerable.

The Rohingya community is urging the US government to reconsider its funding decision and continue supporting humanitarian efforts.

Without continued support, the Rohingya crisis will deepen, affecting millions of innocent lives and threatening regional stability.

For the Rohingya, humanitarian assistance is not just about aid—it is about survival, dignity, and hope for a future free from suffering.