‘We are simply going to starve’: UN chief visits Rohingya refugees amid aid funding shortfall

The Rohingya Crisis in Bangladesh: A Humanitarian emergency

The Rohingya, a persecuted Muslim minority, have faced decades of violence and discrimination in Myanmar, leading to a massive exodus to neighboring Bangladesh. Since 2016 and 2017, over 1 million Rohingya have sought refuge in crowded camps in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar district. These camps, while providing temporary shelter, offer limited access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The Rohingya remain in a state of limbo, unable to return home due to ongoing persecution and unsafe conditions in Myanmar.

The Plight of the Rohingya: Hunger and Hopelessness

The situation for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh has grown increasingly dire. In 2023, approximately 70,000 more Rohingya fled to Bangladesh, driven by escalating hunger and desperation in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Many refugees, like Sabir, a father of five, express feelings of helplessness and despair. Sabir shared, “We are not allowed to work here. I feel helpless when I think of my children. What will I feed them?” His words highlight the struggles of countless Rohingya families who are unable to provide for their loved ones. Sabir’s plea, “I hope we are not forgotten. The global community must come forward to help,” underscores the urgent need for international intervention.

Food Insecurity and the Looming Crisis During Ramadan

The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that it requires $15 million in April to maintain full food rations for the Rohingya refugees. However, fears are mounting about the impact of food ration cuts, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, which concludes in late March this year. Ramadan is a time of fasting and reflection for Muslims worldwide, but for the Rohingya, it exacerbates existing food insecurity. Without adequate food supplies, the already vulnerable refugee population faces further hardship. The cuts in food rations threaten to deepen the crisis, leaving many without the means to survive.

Political Developments and the Search for a Solution

Bangladesh’s interim government, which assumed power in August 2024 after mass protests led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is hoping to use the visit of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to draw international attention to the Rohingya crisis. The government believes that Guterres’ visit can mobilize much-needed aid and global support for the refugees. During his visit, Guterres is scheduled to participate in an Iftar ceremony with Rohingya refugees, breaking the fast of Ramadan alongside Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and the head of Bangladesh’s interim government. This symbolic gesture aims to highlight the plight of the Rohingya and urge the international community to act.

The Human Cost of Inaction

The impact of food ration cuts and lack of income is not just economic; it is deeply personal. For 80-year-old refugee Abdur Salam, the situation is untenable. “Without work or income, this will have catastrophic consequences,” he said. “What kind of life is this? If you can’t give us enough food, please send us back to our homeland. We want to return to Myanmar with our rights.” Abdur Salam’s words reflect the frustration and desperation of countless Rohingya who feel trapped in a cycle of poverty and dependence. The lack of viable solutions has left many questioning whether the international community has forgotten their struggles.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The Rohingya crisis is a stark reminder of the fragility of human dignity and the urgent need for global solidarity. As the Rohingya continue to endure unimaginable hardships, the international community must not turn a blind eye. The visit of António Guterres offers a critical opportunity to reignite global attention and mobilize resources to address the crisis. However, a sustainable solution requires more than temporary aid; it demands a commitment to justice, peace, and the restoration of the Rohingya’s rights in Myanmar. Until then, the Rohingya will continue to hold onto hope, waiting for a future where they can live with dignity and security.