Rohingya fear rising crime as food rations are reduced

Rohingya Refugees Face Growing Hardships Amid Food Ration Cuts

Shafika is among the over 700,000 Rohingya who fled Myanmar in 2017 when the country's military launched a "clearance operation" in Rakhine State. The Rohingya, a stateless ethnic group, continue to face discrimination as Myanmar denies them citizenship and basic rights.

Now living in the overcrowded refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh—home to more than a million Rohingya—Shafika, 38, shares a small hut in Kutupalong camp with six family members. The military coup in Myanmar in 2021 further worsened the crisis, forcing more Rohingya to seek refuge in Bangladesh.

Food Ration Cuts Threaten Survival

Rohingya refugees rely on food aid from the UN World Food Programme (WFP) for survival. However, the WFP recently announced that due to a funding shortfall, food rations in Cox’s Bazar will be reduced from April 1. "Without urgent new funding, monthly rations must be halved to $6 per person, down from $12.50," the WFP stated. To maintain full rations, the organization requires $15 million for April and $81 million through 2025.

Desperation and Fear in the Camps

Shafika described the WFP’s decision as devastating. “It felt like a heart attack. How will we survive if rations are cut? What will we eat? We are not allowed to work outside the camps,” she told DW. She fears that worsening hunger could lead to a rise in crime, including theft, robbery, and child kidnappings for ransom.

Mohammad Esha, another refugee, echoed similar concerns. "We want to work, but NGOs don’t provide opportunities. If we try to start businesses, our shops are demolished. We have no income and depend entirely on food rations," he said.

The Impact of Global Aid Cuts

While the WFP has not detailed the reasons for the funding shortfall, Bangladesh's Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, pointed to recent US foreign aid cuts as a major factor. He suggested that former US President Donald Trump's decision to freeze USAID funding for 90 days has significantly affected humanitarian efforts.

"As far as I know, 80% of WFP’s funds come from the US. If the US lifts its funding freeze, the WFP’s warning may not be implemented," Rahman said.

Meanwhile, the European Union has pledged increased financial assistance, acknowledging that the Rohingya remain the world's largest stateless population. However, Rahman stressed that the EU's additional aid is insufficient to meet the growing needs of the refugees.

Rising Malnutrition and Regional Instability

With ration cuts, refugees will be left with just $0.07 per meal—a situation Rahman warns will severely impact their health and nutrition. "They are already one of the most vulnerable communities in terms of malnutrition," he said, urging the international community to continue supporting the Rohingya.

John Quinley, director of Fortify Rights, also expressed concern over the broader consequences of funding cuts. "The reduction in US aid could lead to regional insecurity, pushing Rohingya to flee to Thailand and Malaysia, where they may fall victim to trafficking networks," he warned.

As the crisis deepens, urgent global action is needed to prevent further suffering and instability in the region.