Global inaction will worsen Rohingya crisis, INGOs warn during UN chief's visit

As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visits Bangladesh, leading international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) have issued a strong warning about the deepening Rohingya crisis, urging the global community to take immediate action.

In a joint statement today (14 March), they stated that severe funding shortages and declining global attention are threatening the stability and dignity of over one million Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox's Bazar, reads a press release.

INGOs operating in Bangladesh—including ACF, ActionAid, Cordaid, Concern Worldwide, DRC, Handicap International, International Rescue Committee (IRC), Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Plan International, Save the Children, and World Vision—called for sustained international commitment, innovative response strategies, and a long-term approach to address the crisis.

Severe funding cuts have already led to a drastic reduction in food rations, with more cuts set to take effect in April. This has intensified economic pressures and heightened social tensions in host communities. Essential services such as food and nutrition, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), protection, shelter, and livelihoods are critically affected, making the crisis increasingly unsustainable.

"Now in its eighth year, the Rohingya crisis continues to strain Bangladesh's resources as donor commitments shrink amid global crises," the statement noted.

INGOs emphasised the need for high-level dialogue among the UN, Bangladesh, development partners, and international stakeholders to develop a more sustainable and resilience-based aid model.

To reduce dependency and foster self-reliance among Rohingya refugees and host communities, the INGOs stressed the importance of adopting a Triple Nexus Approach—linking humanitarian relief, development, and peacebuilding.

They urged the integration of livelihoods, skills training, and economic opportunities to create a sustainable future.

Hasina Rahman, representative of INGOs to the Strategic Executive Group for Rohingya Response and country director of the IRC, said, "The Rohingya crisis is not just a resource crisis but a crisis of political will. The UN and international community must ensure sustained support and invest in long-term solutions."

Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, reflected, "Without immediate and decisive action, we risk allowing the Rohingya crisis to become a forgotten tragedy. A people-centered approach, ensuring livelihood, skills and education opportunities is the way forward."

The INGOs highlighted that humanitarian support alone is not a long-term solution. The ultimate resolution lies in the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar.

They called for intensified global diplomatic efforts to ensure Myanmar recognizes the Rohingya's rights, guarantees their safety, and creates conditions for their return.

Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, stated, "The Rohingya are not just numbers in a database—they are human beings. We urge global stakeholders to consider a structured and dedicated mission to drive a sustainable response."

Kabita Bose, country director of Plan International Bangladesh, stressed that half of the Rohingya refugee population consists of women and children, including over 500,000 children growing up in uncertainty.

She called for international efforts to ensure their protection until safe repatriation becomes feasible.

Sibghatullah Ahmed, country manager of Handicap International Federation, stressed, "We emphasize the importance of greater collaboration to address the needs of the entire displaced community, including persons with disabilities while working toward sustainable and long-term solutions."

Sumitra Mukherjee, DRC's Country Director in Bangladesh, said, "We must unite, strengthen our coordination, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the Rohingya and host communities don't feel abandoned or forgotten by the international systems."

With the crisis at a critical juncture, INGOs are calling on the international community to step up before conditions further deteriorate.

They stress that bold and decisive action is needed to secure a sustainable future where Rohingya refugees and host communities are not left in limbo but empowered to reclaim their rights and dignity.