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Published : 24 Mar 2025, 06:30 PM
In the wake of the US government’s decision to slash all international aid to Bangladesh, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has teamed up with its partner organisations to support the Bangladesh government in managing the Rohingya refugee crisis.
The 13 partner organisations, including UNHCR and the UN Refugee Agency, have launched a joint plan with the IOM and the Bangladesh government, titled “The 2025-26 Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis”, the IOM said in a statement on Monday.
The JRP is a two-year fundraising programme, which is the first of its kind for Rohingya response. Through the fundraiser, the organisations have sought $934.5 million in donations for its first year to support over 1.48 million people, including Rohingya refugees and host communities.
The plan will be presented to donors in Geneva by Dr Khalilur Rahman, the chief advisor's high representative on Rohingya issues, alongside IOM Director General Amy Pope, and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.
The decision comes as the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar face growing uncertainties due to USAID budget cuts. These camps host millions of displaced Rohingya refugees, who fled Myanmar’s civil war, and heavily rely on international aid to fund the refugees’ daily necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare.
The Rohingya crisis, which started about eight years ago, remains a critical security and financial challenge in Bangladesh as the international attention and funding gradually shift elsewhere.
The situation is especially dire for vulnerable groups. More than half of the camp’s population comprises of women and girls, who are at high risks of being subject to gender-based violence and exploitation.
On the other hand, one-third of the Rohingya population in Bangladesh is aged between 10 to 24 years, who have no certainty about their future due to a lack of education, skills, and opportunities.
Camp residents have been living in fear of losing their livelihoods since budget cuts took effect. As a highly vulnerable population, the Rohingya face worsening conditions with every funding reduction. Any further cuts could leave them with no choice but to take desperate and dangerous measures to survive, according to the IOM.
