Rohingya refugees in new crisis as funding diminishes: UN

Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, are facing a dire situation due to diminished aid funding, the United Nations has said.

The Rohingya, who have faced repeated climate shocks since their exodus from Myanmar seven years ago, now face hunger, deepening their vulnerabilities, said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres yesterday.

The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that cuts in donour funding have forced the agency to reduce its life-saving assistance for the entire Rohingya population in Cox's Bazar, said, Dujarric. Funding shortfalls reportedly resulted in a cut in the Rohingya's full ration of 12 USD to 10 USD per person per month in March and then to 8 USD in June.

The WFP said that the Rohingya refugees "are being pushed over the edge" with the current cash allowance and have less than 9 cents for each meal.

"WFP is urging donors to step up now to support them in restoring full rations and keeping critical humanitarian operations intact until the Rohingya repatriation," the spokesman told a regular press briefing.

"WFP needs another 175 million dollars to provide the Rohingya with a full ration through December 2024," he added.