UNHCR Urges World Not to Forget Rohingya Refugees

For generations, Rohingya communities have faced discrimination, persecution and repeated displacement from Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

As the world approaches the ninth anniversary of the large-scale displacement of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to Bangladesh, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is warning that the crisis remains far from over. Together with humanitarian partners, the agency is calling on the international community to maintain support for the 1.2 million refugees living in Bangladesh, most of whom remain in crowded camps in Cox's Bazar.

For generations, Rohingya communities have faced discrimination, persecution and repeated displacement from Myanmar's Rakhine State. Bangladesh has provided refuge to successive waves of people fleeing violence since the late 1970s. The largest movement occurred in August 2017, when around 750,000 Rohingya crossed the border after being forced to flee their homes.

The support of Bangladesh and international donors has helped provide shelter, food, healthcare and protection over the years. Many families, however, continue to depend almost entirely on humanitarian assistance for their daily survival.

Funding shortages threaten essential services and vulnerable families

The appeal for international support comes at a time when humanitarian agencies are facing growing financial pressure worldwide. Conflicts, natural disasters and economic uncertainty have stretched aid budgets, forcing organizations to make difficult choices about where limited resources can be directed.

Last month, the United Nations and its partners launched a humanitarian appeal seeking US$710.5 million to meet the most urgent needs of Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi communities hosting them. Even with increasing needs, the appeal was deliberately reduced and is 26 percent lower than last year's funding request.

Aid agencies warn that declining financial support could have serious consequences for refugee families. Many households already face limited access to income opportunities, making them heavily dependent on assistance. Women and girls, older people, people living with disabilities and newly arrived refugees are among those facing the greatest risks.

The situation has become even more challenging following the arrival of approximately 150,000 people who fled renewed violence in Myanmar's Rakhine State since early 2024. Their arrival has added pressure to already overstretched services and resources.

Uncertain future pushes many towards dangerous journeys

For many Rohingya refugees, hopes of returning home continue to fade as conflict, violence and persecution persist inside Myanmar. Without a safe and stable environment to return to, families remain trapped in uncertainty about their future.

The lack of opportunities has pushed some refugees to undertake dangerous sea journeys in search of safety and better prospects elsewhere in the region. These voyages often involve overcrowded boats, harsh conditions and significant risks to life.

According to humanitarian agencies, 2025 became the deadliest year on record for Rohingya sea crossings, with nearly 900 refugees reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. The figure highlights the desperation many families face as they search for alternatives beyond the camps.

UNHCR says humanitarian assistance alone cannot provide a lasting solution, though it remains essential for protecting lives. The agency is encouraging greater investment in programmes that strengthen resilience, support self-reliance and preserve dignity while long-term solutions are pursued.

The humanitarian appeal has received strong backing from donors and is currently around 60 percent funded. UNHCR warns that maintaining only minimum levels of assistance could create larger and more costly problems in the future.

The agency is urging governments and international partners to continue standing with Rohingya refugees and their host communities. Until conditions allow for a voluntary, safe and dignified return to Myanmar, sustained support remains critical for millions of people whose futures remain uncertain.