UNHCR Urges Ongoing Support and Solutions for Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh

In a four-day visit to Bangladesh recently, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi reiterated UNHCR’s engagement to assist the 1 million Rohingya refugees who are sheltered in the country. Grandi commended the leadership of Bangladesh for its unprecedented hospitality in welcoming the refugees for almost eight years amid a huge burden on local resources.

Grandi also stressed the imperative to find sustainable solutions noting that the first solution to the crisis is a voluntary, safe and dignified return to Myanmar. He underlined the need to establish conditions that would facilitate the peaceful cohabitation of host communities and refugees upon their return.

Traveling to the Kutupalong refugee camps near Cox’s Bazar, Filippo Grandi called on the international community to continue offering financial assistance. The refugees are now in unstable situations extremely exposed to natural disasters and heavily reliant on humanitarian assistance for their essential requirements. “If international assistance is drastically reduced, the tremendous effort made by the Bangladesh government and aid agencies will be put at risk, leaving thousands at risk of hunger, disease and insecurity” Grandi warned.

Grandi said it’s really important to give people better ways to make a living and get an education, especially young people, since over half of the refugees are under 18. He also urged increased disaster risk reduction assistance since the camps are still very vulnerable to cyclones and floods.

With UNHCR, Bangladesh and other aid groups planning the 2025 Joint Response Plan, Grandi’s visit really showed how much ongoing international help is needed. This support is super important for the well-being and future of Rohingya refugees.

Also Read | Canada Announces New Express Entry Categories to Address Labour Shortages