Funding cuts have dramatic human costs, Guterres says at Rohingya camp, warning unmitigated disaster

Highlights from UN chief's speech at Rohingya camp

• Ultimately the solution must be found in Myanmar
• The entire refugee population depends on humanitarian aid
• World has a special obligation to ensure aid reaches Rohingya refugees

Noting that this is a ground zero for the impact of budget cuts on people in desperate need, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday said the international community has an obligation to invest now in that aid for people who have already suffered so much.

In this holy month of Ramadan, he appealed to the international community to show solidarity through action and concrete support for the Rohingya people and their Bangladeshi host communities.

"We are on the verge of a deep humanitarian crisis. With the announced cuts in financial assistance, we are facing the dramatic risk of having only 40 per cent in 2025 of the resources available for humanitarian aid in 2024. That would be an unmitigated disaster," he said at Camp 20 Extension Ukhiya, stressing that people will suffer and people will die.

When Chief Adviser Yunus and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived at the camp at 5:35 pm, they were greeted by Rohingyas waving their hands. Both Yunus and Guterres responded warmly. Later, they are set to join 'Ramadan Solidarity Iftar' with one lakh Rohingyas.

UN agencies — as well as many humanitarian and development NGOs — are confronting the prospect of enormous funding cuts, Guterres said before joining Iftar with the Rohingyas hosted by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the Rohingya camp.

This will have a direct and dire impact on people – on whether they have enough food to survive, on basic health care, on other essential services and protection, he said.

The entire refugee population depends on humanitarian aid, Guterres said.

"Here it is clear, budget reductions are not about numbers on a balance sheet. Funding cuts have dramatic human costs," the UN chief said, adding that ultimately the solution must be found in Myanmar.

He said they will not give up until conditions allow for the voluntary, safe and sustainable return for the refugees here.

"Until then, I urge the international community to step up. Solidarity with Rohingya refugees is needed more than ever – as is solidarity with Bangladesh," Guterres said.

The UN chief said there is no time to waste and humanitarian assistance is making a difference. "We must recognise the enormous support of the Bangladeshi people sharing their land, forests, scarce water and meager resources."

Guterres, who was last in Cox's Bazar in 2018, said they have seen many improvements in the camps. "But the challenges are great on so many levels."

These camps -- and the communities that host them -- are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, said the UN chief.

Summers are scorching, and the chance of fires skyrocket, he said, adding that in the cyclone and monsoon seasons – floods and dangerous landslides destroy homes and lives.

In addition to essential food aid, people here are also hungry for education, skills building and opportunities for independence.

"With limited prospects -- violence, crime, and other security issues naturally rise. Some Rohingya families feel they have no option but to risk everything on perilous sea journeys," said the UN chief.

Guterres said they have a special obligation to ensure the aid reaches Rohingya refugees, and show that the world hasn't forgotten them.

"In the best of times, that assistance has been far from sufficient. And we are far from the best of times now," he said.

Guterres has come to Cox's Bazar during this holy month of Ramadan on a mission of solidarity and solidarity with Rohingya refugees.

"And solidarity with the Bangladeshi communities that so generously host them. I am here to shine a global spotlight on the plight – but also the potential," Guterres said.

Talking about more than one million Rohingya refugees, the UN chief said they are resilient.

And they need the world's support, he said, adding that after decades of discrimination and persecution, they had a massive outflow eight years ago, following the massacres that took place in Rakhine state.

 Many others arrived more recently, escaping brutal violations of human rights, triggered generalised anti-Muslim hate.

 "This is especially significant as the world tomorrow officially marks International Day to Combat Islamophobia," Guterres said.

"Rohingya refugees have come here for what people anywhere seek: protection, dignity, safety for them and their families," said the UN chief.

He met and spoke with many today – and was inspired by their courage and moved by their determination.

Many shared harrowing accounts of their ordeals in Myanmar and their journeys here.

They Want to Go Home

"They want to go home -- Myanmar is their homeland. And returning in a safe, voluntary, and dignified manner is the primary solution to this crisis," Guterres said.

The UN chief said his message to all parties in Myanmar is clear: exercise maximum restraint, prioritize the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and prevent further incitement of communal tension and violence – paving the way for democracy to take root.

But the situation in Myanmar remains dire, including in Rakhine state, Guterres observed. "Until the conflict and systematic persecution in Rakhine end, we must support those who need protection," Guterres said.