WFP launches new food support approach for Rohingya refugees

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has commenced its Targeting and Prioritisation Exercise (TPE) for monthly food assistance in Rohingya refugee camps, heralding a significant shift towards needs-based support for nearly 1.2 million refugees residing in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char.

TPE analysis revealed that while all Rohingya refugees remain food insecure, the severity of insecurity differs across households. Under the revised approach, food assistance is calibrated to household-level needs. Extremely food-insecure households will continue to receive US$12 per person per month in Cox's Bazar and US$13 in Bhasan Char, reflecting higher market costs. Highly food-insecure households are set to receive US$10 and US$11 respectively, while food-insecure households will receive US$7 and US$8. According to the food-gap analysis, even the lowest transfer value will meet minimum food requirements.

This method aligns with global best practice for protracted humanitarian crises. Households facing the greatest barriers to securing basic food needs—including those led by children, women, the elderly without able-bodied adults, or persons with disabilities—will continue to receive the highest level of assistance.

"This alignment reflects our ongoing commitment to the Rohingya community. Food assistance will continue for all camp residents, with resources prioritised for those in greatest need. WFP's food-gap analysis assures that minimum food needs will be met for everyone," said Simone Parchment, acting country director of WFP.

Although not prompted by funding, the TPE enables a more effective, equitable and proportionate allocation of food assistance in line with humanitarian needs. This strategy strengthens the Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya crisis, especially amid global funding constraints necessitating prudent prioritisation of lifesaving aid.

Throughout the TPE, WFP engaged Rohingya communities to incorporate their perspectives into the analysis of food security needs. Community sensitisation campaigns have been ongoing since 1 March to foster understanding and acceptance.

The TPE, supported by recent US contributions via the OCHA-managed Bangladesh Humanitarian Fund and continued backing from the European Union, Australia and other donors, will enable WFP to maintain uninterrupted food assistance for the Rohingya population until November 2026.

In addition to monthly food assistance—including for nearly 150,000 new arrivals since 2024 fleeing intensified conflict in Myanmar's Rakhine State—WFP delivers essential nutrition support for children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, school feeding programmes, as well as resilience and disaster-preparedness initiatives to strengthen community capacity.

WFP also provides resilience support to smallholder farmers in the host community, enhancing their connections with local markets and the WFP supply chain for the Rohingya response.

"WFP is deeply grateful for the steadfast support of our partners. Their solidarity ensures the continuity of lifesaving assistance in the coming months. However, sustained support remains vital," Parchment added. "Until a lasting solution emerges, the Rohingya require ongoing assistance to protect lives, dignity and stability."