UN Secretary-General Visits Bangladesh to Assess Rohingya Refugee Crisis and Advocate for Aid
In a significant humanitarian mission, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Bangladesh on March 14, 2025, to assess the conditions of the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar and advocate for increased international aid.
Dire Food Shortages Amid Funding Cuts
The Rohingya refugees are confronting severe food shortages due to substantial funding deficits. The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that without immediate financial support, monthly food rations could be reduced from $12.50 to $6 starting in April, exacerbating hunger in the overcrowded camps. This crisis has been intensified by the cessation of operations by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which previously contributed nearly half of the humanitarian aid for the Rohingya in Bangladesh.
Voices from the Camps
Refugees like Mohammed Sabir and Abdur Salam have expressed deep concerns about the looming food scarcity. Sabir stated, “We are simply going to starve,” highlighting the urgency of the situation. Salam appealed to the international community, emphasizing their reliance on external assistance for survival.
Guterres’ Call to Action
During his visit, Guterres is expected to meet with Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, to discuss the escalating crisis and explore avenues for mobilizing global support. The UN chief’s presence aims to shed light on the refugees’ plight and galvanize international efforts to address the funding shortfall.
Background on the Rohingya Crisis
Bangladesh currently shelters over one million Rohingya refugees who fled violence and persecution in Myanmar during the 2016 and 2017 military crackdowns. The Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar has become the world’s largest refugee settlement, with populations swelling due to successive waves of displacement.
The UN Secretary-General’s visit underscores the pressing need for renewed international commitment to support the Rohingya refugees. As funding dwindles and challenges mount, the global community faces a UN Secretary-General Visits Bangladesh to Assess Rohingya Refugee Crisis and Advocate for Aid moment to demonstrate solidarity and ensure the well-being of one of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
