UN Warns of Food Shortage for Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) has cautioned that food supplies for nearly one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh will expire by November unless additional global funding is secured. The agency requires $60 million over the next six months and $167 million over the next year to sustain operations in Cox's Bazar camps. Despite the US covering nearly 60% of the costs, WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau urged ASEAN, Gulf states, and OIC members to contribute to alleviate the situation.

Key Takeaways:

  • WFP warns that food supplies for nearly one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh will run out by November unless urgent global funding is secured.
  • The agency requires $60 million over the next six months and $167 million over the next year to sustain operations in Cox's Bazar camps.
  • The US has covered nearly 60% of the costs, but WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau urged ASEAN, Gulf states, and OIC members to step in.
  • Bangladesh's generosity in hosting the refugees has been praised, with WFP procuring much of the food aid locally to boost the domestic economy.
  • WFP's broader role in Bangladesh includes school feeding programmes, nutrition support, and disaster response.
  • The agency's funding has already shrunk by 40% globally, and WFP's money is running out.

Statistics:

  • 1 million: the estimated number of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh who will face food shortages by November.
  • $60 million: the amount of funding WFP requires over the next six months to sustain operations in Cox's Bazar camps.
  • $167 million: the amount of funding WFP requires over the next year to sustain operations in Cox's Bazar camps.
  • 60%: the percentage of costs covered by the US.
  • 40%: the reduction in the WFP's global funding.

Sources:

  • "UN, Bangladesh, WFP, ASEAN, Gulf states, OIC" [The Indian Awaaz, September 6]