World must not forget humanitarian needs of Rohingyas: IOM Goodwill ambassador

IOM Global Goodwill Ambassador Dimash Qudaibergen has encouraged the international community to continue strengthening support for more than one million Rohingyas living in Cox's Bazar, one of the world's largest refugee settlements.

"The world must not forget the humanitarian needs of the Rohingya people. Behind every number is a story of resilience, hope, and survival," said Dimash Qudaibergen following his two-day visit to Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar yesterday. 

"The strength of the people I met is truly inspiring, and I am deeply honoured to meet the communities and humanitarian teams working every day to protect human dignity."

Nine years on, Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar remain in a precarious situation. Many are entirely dependent on humanitarian aid, while host communities and services have come under strain amid significant funding shortfalls.

As a Global Goodwill Ambassador, Dimash uses his global platform to amplify humanitarian messages and encourage compassion and action.

His visit aims to raise international awareness and reaffirm global commitment to people affected by crisis and displacement, said IOM.

During his visit from 18 to 19 May, Dimash met Rohingya refugee families, youth volunteers, and frontline humanitarian workers to witness firsthand the daily challenges faced by displaced communities and the ongoing humanitarian response supported by the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) in coordination with the Government of Bangladesh, UN agencies, and humanitarian partners. 

Highlighting the urgent need for sustained international solidarity, Dimash emphasised the importance of continued humanitarian assistance, including access to shelter, healthcare, cleaner cooking energy, water, sanitation and hygiene services, protection, and skills-building.

He also acknowledged the generosity and resilience of Bangladeshi host communities who continue to support the Rohingya population.

During the visit, Dimash traveled across several camps to learn about IOM's multisectoral work.

He met refugees, community volunteers, and humanitarian staff delivering essential services aimed at reducing protection risks and improving living conditions for families in protracted displacement.

At the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre, Dimash engaged with community-led initiatives using art and storytelling to strengthen wellbeing and preserve collective identity.

He also observed how site management and service delivery systems help families safely access assistance, including emergency preparedness measures for fires, monsoon rains, and cyclones.

IOM teams also demonstrated how clean energy cooking solutions are helping reduce health risks and environmental degradation, while shelter and essential item support are enhancing safety during extreme weather conditions.

At a primary healthcare facility, Dimash learned about how essential services, including outpatient care, immunization, and mental health support, are delivered through coordinated referral systems.

As humanitarian needs remain high and funding gaps continue to grow, IOM is urging the international community to maintain and expand support for the Rohingya response to ensure vulnerable communities are not left behind.