UNHCR urges world not to forget Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and humanitarian partners have called on the international community not to forget 1.2 million Rohingya refugees hosted in Bangladesh, as the world approaches nine years since their large-scale forced displacement from Myanmar.

In a statement in response to questions at a press briefing at the United Nations Office at Geneva, UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch highlighted that most refugees remain in camps in Cox’s Bazar, where Bangladesh has continued to provide shelter and protection despite significant challenges.

The agency noted that Rohingya have faced repeated waves of displacement from Myanmar’s Rakhine State for decades, with the largest influx occurring in August 2017 when around 750,000 people crossed into Bangladesh.

It praised Bangladesh’s continued humanitarian role, alongside international support, in meeting basic needs.

UNHCR warned that global instability and rising humanitarian pressures have led to funding constraints, threatening essential services for vulnerable populations. It recalled that the United Nations and partners recently appealed for $710.5 million to address urgent needs of Rohingya refugees and host communities, although the appeal is 26% lower than last year due to prioritisation.

Since 2017, international funding has enabled life-saving assistance as well as progress in education, health and protection services. However, the agency said major needs remain, and reduced funding risks worsening conditions, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, children, people with disabilities and older persons, as well as about 150,000 new arrivals since early 2024.

UNHCR also warned that ongoing violence and persecution in Myanmar’s Rakhine State have diminished hopes of safe return. It said increasing numbers of refugees are resorting to dangerous sea journeys, with 2025 recorded as the deadliest year for such crossings, with nearly 900 Rohingya reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal.

The agency said the international community has so far funded 60% of the current “hyper-prioritised” appeal but cautioned that maintaining only minimal assistance could lead to more severe humanitarian consequences.

UNHCR reiterated that until conditions in Myanmar improve, global support must continue for refugees and host communities in Bangladesh, alongside renewed efforts to ensure voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation.