Statement from INGOs

Global inaction will deepen Rohingya crisis

INGOs warn as UN Chief António Guterres visits Bangladesh

18 March 2025

Dhaka, 14 March 2025: With the humanitarian response to the Rohingya crisis facing severe funding shortages and shifting global priorities, the need for renewed and sustained international commitment has never been more urgent. As U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres visits Bangladesh, we, the International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) operating in Bangladesh, call for immediate and coordinated action to sustain life-saving assistance, innovative response strategies, and a dedicated mission that ensures stability and dignity for over one million Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

Severe funding cuts have slashed rations by over half which will be operational from April, worsening economic pressures and social tensions in host communities. Essential services—including food & nutrition, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), protection, shelter, and livelihoods—are critically affected. Without urgent reforms and a long-term strategy, this crisis risks becoming unsustainable and deeply entrenched.

Current model of aid must evolve

Now in its eighth year, the Rohingya crisis continues to strain Bangladesh’s resources as donor commitments dwindle amid global crises. Addressing this crisis requires a high-level and regular dialogue among the United Nations, the Government of Bangladesh, development partners, INGOs, local NGOs and key international stakeholders. The current model of aid must evolve into a more sustainable, long-term and resilience-based approach, integrating livelihoods, skills training, and economic opportunities for both Rohingya refugees and host communities. A Triple Nexus Approach, linking humanitarian relief, development, and peace-building, is crucial to reducing dependency and fostering self-reliance.

“The Rohingya are not just numbers in a database—they are human beings. Given the prolonged nature of this crisis, we urge global stakeholders to consider a structured and dedicated mission to drive sustainable response.”
Ashish Damle, Country Director, Oxfam in Bangladesh

The International NGOs- ACF, ActionAid, Cordaid, Concern Worldwide, DRC, Handicap International, International Rescue Committee, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Plan International, Save the Children, and World Vision- urge the international community to step up support before the situation deteriorates further. The world cannot afford to let one of the largest refugee crises of our time fade from global attention. It is time for bold and decisive global action to secure a sustainable future where Rohingya refugees and host communities are not left in limbo but empowered to reclaim their rights and dignity.

With this statement, Hasina Rahman, Representative of INGO to the Strategic Executive Group for Rohingya Response and Country Director of IRC said, “The Rohingya crisis is not just a resource crisis but a crisis of political will. The UN and international community must ensure sustained support and invest in long-term solutions.”

Farah Kabir, Country Director, of ActionAid Bangladesh, reflected, “Without immediate and decisive action, we risk allowing the Rohingya crisis to become a forgotten tragedy. A people-centered approach, ensuring livelihood, skills and education opportunities is the way forward.”

“The Rohingya are not just numbers in a database—they are human beings. Given the prolonged nature of this crisis, we urge global stakeholders to consider a structured and dedicated mission to drive sustainable response,” said, Ashish Damle, Country Director, of Oxfam in Bangladesh.

Regional and global engagement must be intensified

While humanitarian support remains essential, the ultimate solution lies in the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of the Rohingya to Myanmar. This process requires stronger international diplomatic efforts, ensuring that Myanmar recognises the rights of the Rohingya, guarantees their safety, and creates conditions conducive to their return. Regional and global engagement must be intensified to protect Rohingya communities, uphold their rights, and explore sustainable pathways, including resettlement options.

“Half of the people in the refugee camps are women and girls, while more than 500,000 children are growing up in uncertainty. The world must stand by the people until we can ensure safe and dignified repatriation,” said Kabita Bose, Country Director, of Plan International Bangladesh.

Sibghatullah Ahmed, Country Manager of Handicap International Federation, stressed, “We emphasize the importance of greater collaboration to address the needs of the entire displaced community, including persons with disabilities while working toward sustainable and long-term solutions.”

Finally, as stated by Sumitra Mukherjee, DRC’s Country Director in Bangladesh, “We must unite, strengthen our coordination, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the Rohingya and host communities don’t feel abandoned or forgotten by the international systems.”

For further information, please contact:

Md. Sariful Islam, Head of Influencing, Communications, Advocacy and Media, Oxfam in Bangladesh

+8801915631608, mdsaislam@oxfam.org.uk

Shabira Nupur, Head of Advocacy and Communication, International Rescue Committee, Bangladesh

+8801755625760, ShabiraSultana.Nupur@rescue.org

Arif Ahmed, Communications Manager, Plan International Bangladesh

01776323880, arif.ahmed@plan-international.org

Shabbir Rahman, Communications Manager, ActionAid Bangladesh

+8801681523496, shabbir.rahman@actionaid.org