The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has appealed to the international community not to abandon the 1.2 million Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh, most of them in camps in Cox’s Bazar, as the world approaches nine years since their mass displacement from Myanmar, according to UN News. Speaking in Geneva on Tuesday, UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch warned that sharp reductions in humanitarian and development funding are placing essential services at risk for one of the world’s largest refugee populations. The appeal stresses that continued support remains critical to meeting refugees’ basic needs and protection. Baloch called for sustained solidarity until conditions allow safe return. The agency framed the moment as a turning point requiring renewed global engagement.
The largest influx of Rohingya refugees occurred in August 2017, when around 750,000 people fled violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and crossed into Bangladesh. UNHCR noted that support from Bangladesh and donors has been vital in meeting basic needs and providing protection ever since. “The generous support from Bangladesh and the international community has been critical in meeting their basic needs and providing protection,” Baloch told journalists. The crisis has unfolded against a backdrop of persistent conflict inside Myanmar. The displacement remains among the most protracted in the region.
Last month, the United Nations and its partners, working alongside the Government of Bangladesh, launched an appeal for $710.5 million to meet the most urgent needs of Rohingya refugees and host communities in 2026. Despite increasing needs, the appeal is 26 percent lower than last year’s funding request, reflecting what aid agencies describe as a “hyper-prioritised” response focused on the most critical needs. Since 2017, humanitarian funding has helped sustain food assistance, healthcare, education and protection services. UNHCR warned, however, that significant needs remain. Conditions could worsen without continued support.
Rohingya refugees remain largely reliant on aid, with limited opportunities to earn an income. Vulnerable groups, including women and girls, older people and persons with disabilities, are particularly affected by funding shortfalls. Challenges have also intensified for around 150,000 new arrivals who have fled renewed violence in Rakhine State since early 2024. Blocked humanitarian access and funding shortages leave communities without food, clean water, and healthcare. UNHCR said ongoing conflict, persecution and insecurity inside Myanmar continue to prevent the safe return of refugees.
As prospects for repatriation diminish, more Rohingya are resorting to dangerous sea journeys in search of opportunities elsewhere in the region. According to the agency, 2025 has been the deadliest year on record for such crossings, with nearly 900 Rohingya refugees reported dead or missing in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. UNHCR stressed that maintaining only minimal levels of humanitarian assistance could lead to more severe and costly consequences in the future.
“Until the conflict and violence stop, the international community must continue to stand in solidarity with refugees from Myanmar, including Rohingya refugees, and their host communities,” Baloch said.
He renewed the call for efforts to enable the voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees when conditions allow.