On April 1, food aid for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh will be cut in half by the United Nations' World Food Program (WFP). For nearly one million people who already live on the edge, that decision reshapes daily life fast.
I spoke to Nay San Lwin from the Free Rohingya Coalition about what these cuts mean now, and what happens when emergency aid starts quietly disappearing.
Q: How will these cuts affect daily life in the camps?
A: The WFP's decision will severely impact life in the Rohingya refugee camps. Food insecurity and malnutrition–already critical issues, particularly among children–will worsen. The cuts will also take a toll on mental health, increase social tensions, and heighten risks of crime and exploitation. As families struggle to afford basic necessities, children's education and development will suffer, perpetuating cycles of poverty and dependence.
Q: Has there been any discussion with the Bangladeshi government or international bodies on alternative solutions to food insecurity in the camps?
A: Yes, discussions have taken place among the Bangladeshi government, the UN, and donors, primarily revolving around funding appeals to prevent ration cuts. Some private efforts have also urged Bangladesh to lift employment restrictions for Rohingya refugees. However, concrete results remain uncertain. Sustainable solutions must go beyond emergency aid, focusing on policies that allow refugees to work legally, support local economies, and reduce long-term reliance on humanitarian assistance.
Q: Given the persistent funding shortfalls, do you see any viable long-term strategies for Rohingya self-sufficiency or economic empowerment in Bangladesh?
A: Yes, but they hinge on policy reforms. Lifting employment restrictions would enable Rohingya refugees to contribute to sectors like agriculture, trade, and small businesses. Investing in vocational training and microenterprise development could provide the skills and resources necessary for economic independence. Since safe repatriation to Myanmar remains unrealistic due to ongoing conflict, international partners should advocate for these reforms and explore innovative financing models to reduce aid dependency and promote long-term stability.
Q: What can international donors do to help?
A: Donors must act urgently to restore full food rations and counter reductions such as those caused by the U.S. aid freeze under the Trump administration. Beyond food aid, they should support initiatives in health, education, and livelihoods. Diplomatic efforts should focus on long-term solutions, including facilitating safe repatriation to Myanmar and easing work restrictions in Bangladesh to enable economic independence for refugees. Addressing both immediate and structural challenges is key to breaking the cycle of crisis.
Q: How can the global public and civil society organizations best support Rohingya refugees at this critical time?
A: Civil society and the global public play a crucial role in raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and mobilizing funds for organizations like the WFP. Grassroots initiatives, direct support for health and education programs, and collaborations with the private sector can also help. However, without comprehensive government action to address the root causes of the crisis, these efforts risk being symbolic rather than transformative. Advocacy must go hand in hand with structural policy changes to ensure lasting impact.
Each week, What Happened Last Week curates news and perspectives from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The newsletter is written by Sham Jaff and focuses on stories that rarely receive sustained attention in Western media.
Read the free edition every week. VIP subscribers receive additional stories, recommendations on what to watch, read and listen, and more.