Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark warning about the devastating consequences of funding cuts to humanitarian aid for Rohingya refugees, calling it an impending “unmitigated disaster” with severe human costs.

During his visit to Camp 20 Extension in Ukhiya on Friday, Guterres emphasized that the international community has a moral obligation to sustain aid for the Rohingya people and their Bangladeshi hosts, who have shouldered immense burdens for years. He highlighted that without urgent financial commitments, the humanitarian response would be drastically weakened, jeopardizing the lives of more than a million refugees.

"We are on the verge of a deep humanitarian crisis. With the announced financial cuts, we risk having only 40% of the resources available in 2025 compared to 2024. That would be an unmitigated disaster. People will suffer. People will die," Guterres cautioned.

A Struggle for Survival Amid Growing Challenges

The Secretary-General was accompanied by Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, as they arrived at the camp at 5:35 PM, greeted by Rohingya refugees waving their hands in welcome. In a display of solidarity, both Guterres and Dr. Yunus joined the Ramadan Solidarity Iftar with 100,000 Rohingya refugees, reinforcing their commitment to the humanitarian cause.

During his visit, Guterres met with several refugee families who shared harrowing accounts of persecution, displacement, and the daily struggle to survive in the overcrowded camps. He emphasized that the consequences of the funding cuts would be devastating, affecting essential services such as food distribution, healthcare, education, and protection.

"The entire refugee population depends on humanitarian aid. These budget reductions are not just numbers on a balance sheet—this is about human lives," he said, urging immediate international action.

Guterres warned that without sufficient funding, the crisis could deepen, leading to increased malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and a surge in security issues such as violence and crime within the camps. He noted that many Rohingya families, driven by desperation, are already risking perilous sea journeys in search of better opportunities—an issue that would only worsen if support dwindles.

Bangladesh’s Generosity and the Global Responsibility

Despite its own economic challenges, Bangladesh has provided refuge to over a million Rohingya people, sharing its land, forests, water, and resources. Guterres commended the generosity of the Bangladeshi people and government, recognizing the strain it has placed on local communities.

"We must recognize the enormous support of the Bangladeshi people, who have opened their hearts despite having limited resources themselves. They cannot bear this burden alone," he said.

The UN chief emphasized that while Bangladesh has made significant efforts to accommodate the refugees, international aid is crucial to sustaining the response. He called on donor nations, humanitarian organizations, and the global community to act swiftly, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, a time of compassion and generosity.

"Solidarity with Rohingya refugees is needed more than ever—just as solidarity with Bangladesh is essential," he stressed.

The Rohingya’s Right to Return Home

Beyond immediate aid, Guterres reiterated that the ultimate solution to the Rohingya crisis lies in Myanmar. He emphasized that refugees want to return to their homeland but can only do so when it is safe, voluntary, and dignified.

"They want to go home—Myanmar is their homeland. And returning in a safe, voluntary, and dignified manner is the primary solution to this crisis," he stated.

Guterres urged Myanmar’s leadership to ensure the protection of civilians, uphold international humanitarian law, and create conditions conducive to the Rohingyas' safe repatriation. However, he acknowledged that the situation in Myanmar remains volatile, with ongoing conflicts and systematic persecution in Rakhine State.

"Until the conflict and systematic persecution in Rakhine end, we must support those who need protection," he asserted.

A Call for Urgent Global Action

Guterres’ visit to Cox’s Bazar comes at a crucial time, as UN agencies and humanitarian organizations face the reality of enormous funding shortages. The UN chief made it clear that there is no time to waste—without immediate action, the humanitarian crisis will escalate, putting millions of lives at risk.

"In the best of times, assistance has been far from sufficient. And we are far from the best of times now," he warned.

He concluded his visit with a global appeal for solidarity, urging governments, donors, and individuals to stand by the Rohingya people. He underscored the resilience of the refugees, who, despite facing unimaginable hardships, continue to hope for a future where they can live in dignity and peace.

"Rohingya refugees have come here for what people anywhere seek: protection, dignity, and safety for their families. The world must not forget them," Guterres said.

His message was clear: the international community must act now to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and uphold the dignity of the Rohingya people.