United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday pledged to do everything possible to secure funding for the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims living in overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh after fleeing violence in Myanmar.
“My voice will be loud and clear in urging the international community to provide urgent support because these people desperately need it to live with dignity here in Bangladesh,” Guterres told reporters in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.
Highlighting the dire impact of budget cuts on vulnerable communities, he stressed that the global community has a moral obligation to invest in humanitarian aid for the Rohingya, who have already endured immense suffering.
“We are on the verge of a deep humanitarian crisis. With the recently announced cuts in financial assistance, we are at risk of having only 40 percent of the resources available in 2025 compared to 2024. That would be an unmitigated disaster,” he warned.
During his visit to the camps, Guterres said he heard two key concerns from the Rohingya: their strong desire to return home to Myanmar and their urgent need for better living conditions.
“It is crucial for the international community to do everything possible to restore peace in Myanmar, uphold the rights of the Rohingya, and put an end to the discrimination and persecution they have endured,” he stated.
On improving conditions in the camps, Guterres acknowledged that drastic cuts in humanitarian aid from the United States and several European nations have made the situation even more challenging. He vowed to reach out to governments worldwide to mobilize the necessary funds.
“We cannot allow the international community to forget about the Rohingya. I will speak loudly and clearly to ensure they receive the support they need,” he declared.
Earlier in the day, Rohingya refugees welcomed Guterres and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus upon their arrival at the camp. The UN chief later joined an iftar, the evening meal breaking the Ramadan fast, in a show of solidarity with the displaced community.
Tens of thousands of Rohingya participated in a locally organized rally, carrying placards with messages such as, “UN, take us back to our home.”
Guterres reaffirmed that the UN would not give up until conditions allowed for the voluntary, safe, and sustainable return of the refugees.
“Until then, I urge the international community to step up. Solidarity with the Rohingya is needed now more than ever—along with solidarity with Bangladesh,” he added.
Having last visited Cox’s Bazar in 2018, Guterres noted significant improvements in the camps but acknowledged the immense challenges that remain. He also highlighted that the camps and their host communities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
“We have a special obligation to ensure aid reaches Rohingya refugees and to show the world has not forgotten them,” he said.
The UN chief spoke with many refugees and was moved by their resilience. Many shared harrowing accounts of their experiences in Myanmar and their difficult journeys to Bangladesh.
“The Rohingya want to go home—Myanmar is their homeland. Returning in a safe, voluntary, and dignified manner is the primary solution to this crisis,” Guterres emphasized.
He urged all parties in Myanmar to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and prevent further communal tensions and violence—paving the way for democracy to take root.
However, Guterres acknowledged that the situation in Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine State, remains dire.
“Until the conflict and systematic persecution in Rakhine end, we must continue supporting those in need of protection,” he said.