UN to cut over half of food support for Rohingya in Bangladesh

Refugee officials in Bangladesh warn of challenges ahead with changes primed to take effect in April

The United Nations World Food Programme, or WFP, is set to cut more than half of the food aid for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, citing a "funding shortfall”.

The change will take effect on Apr 1, with the monthly food ration per refugee being slashed from $12.50 to $6, according to a WFP letter to Bangladesh on Wednesday.

“We have received the letter. The reduction is expected to take effect in early April,” Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammed Mizanur Rahman told bdnews24.com.

In response to questions about the reason for the reduction, Mizanur explained that the WFP had cited funding shortages.

The cut is expected to directly impact both Rohingya refugees and local communities, he warned.

“A reduction in food aid will affect nutrition, health, and security in the camps. If Rohingya refugees seek work outside the camps, the local population will also feel the impact,” the refugee relief commissioner said.

Mizanur said discussions were ongoing with humanitarian agencies and donor countries to address the situation.

When asked if the decision was linked to the suspension of US funding, he said: “WFP did not mention it in the letter. However, the United States is the largest donor, and its funding freeze has certainly had an effect.”

While the US suspended nearly all development funding for 90 days, emergency food aid was initially said to be exempt.

Since the Rohingya crisis erupted in August 2017, the US has provided over $2.5 billion in aid, including more than $2.1 billion for Bangladesh, according to the US State Department.

On Jan 26, the Chief Advisor’s Office, or CAO, said the funding freeze ordered by US President Donald Trump would not apply to life-saving food and nutrition aid for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

However, Mizanur said UN agencies appeared to have received no clear directive on the matter and had taken precautionary measures in response.

“Of the $12.50 per person, $12 goes directly into refugee accounts while 50 cents is used for rice fortification,” he said.

WFP had previously reduced food support from $12 to $10 in March 2023, then to $8 in May.

Mizanur confirmed that in June 2024, the assistance was set to rise back to $12, with the 50 cents for rice fortification included.