by Hafizur Rahman
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh | June 2, 2026
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has called on the international community not to forget the more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh, warning that funding shortages could seriously affect essential services relied upon by refugee families.
As the ninth anniversary of the mass displacement of Rohingya people from Myanmar approaches, UNHCR said the crisis must remain a global priority despite growing humanitarian emergencies elsewhere in the world.
Most Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh live in camps in Cox’s Bazar after fleeing violence, persecution, and military operations in Arakan State. The largest influx occurred in August 2017, when approximately 750,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh seeking safety.
UNHCR praised Bangladesh for its continued support and hospitality toward Rohingya refugees and noted that international assistance has helped provide food, healthcare, education, protection, and other essential services over the years.
However, the agency warned that humanitarian organizations are facing increasing financial pressure as global crises compete for limited resources.
According to UNHCR, funding shortages are forcing aid agencies to make difficult decisions about resource allocation, increasing risks for vulnerable refugee communities.
Last month, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners launched a joint appeal seeking $710.5 million to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh. Although the appeal is smaller than last year’s request, aid agencies say humanitarian needs remain substantial.
UNHCR said many Rohingya families continue to depend heavily on humanitarian assistance because opportunities for employment and self-reliance remain limited.
Women, children, older people, and persons with disabilities are among those most vulnerable to reductions in aid, the agency said.
UNHCR also highlighted the arrival of approximately 150,000 people who have fled renewed violence in Arakan State since early 2024, adding further pressure to already overstretched humanitarian services.
The agency said prospects for the voluntary return of Rohingya refugees continue to diminish as conflict, insecurity, and persecution persist in Myanmar.
Without conditions that allow for a safe return, many refugees remain uncertain about their future.
UNHCR further expressed concern over the growing number of Rohingya attempting dangerous sea journeys in search of safety and opportunities elsewhere.
According to the agency, 2025 was the deadliest year on record for Rohingya sea crossings, with nearly 900 people reported dead or missing in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.
Despite the challenges, UNHCR said it continues working with humanitarian partners to strengthen refugee resilience and support programmes aimed at increasing self-reliance and preserving dignity.
The agency reported that around 60 percent of the required humanitarian funding has already been secured. However, it warned that continued declines in assistance could significantly worsen conditions in the camps and create additional challenges in the future.
UNHCR reiterated that the only long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis is an end to violence and persecution in Myanmar and the creation of conditions that allow refugees to return voluntarily, safely, and with dignity.
Until then, the agency called on the international community to remain in solidarity with Rohingya refugees and the communities hosting them through continued humanitarian support and efforts to achieve a lasting solution.
