We, the undersigned Rohingya Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) from Cox’s Bazar refugee camps, are deeply concerned and frustrated with the decision made by the World Food Programme (WFP) in Cox’s Bazar to cut food rations for Rohingya beneficiaries.
We strongly believe that the shortage of funding for the Rohingya response is a failure of the United Nations. We are already a significant burden for Bangladesh. This announcement of cutting food rations will create a devastating situation for the Rohingya and will have severe implications, including child labor, human trafficking, child marriage, illegal activities, prostitution, and a hostile environment.
The timing of this decision, just before the month of Holy Ramadan, is particularly insensitive and obnoxious.
The price of food in Bangladesh is getting higher day by day, but the assistance of food for Rohingya is set at $10 per person per month, which is 0.3 dollars per day or 0.1 dollars per meal or around 10 Bangladeshi taka. How does the WFP think that 10 Bangladeshi taka per meal is sufficient for a Rohingya?
We urge the WFP to reduce unnecessary costs and wastage, particularly for their staff members. We believe that it is unacceptable for WFP staff members to use private AC cars, stay at 5-star hotels, and receive thousands of dollars while the Rohingya community suffers. This is not in line with WFP’s mission of “Saving Life, Changing Life,” but rather it seems to be “Saving Life, Changing Staff Members’ Lives.” Cutting food rations for the vulnerable Rohingya community in this situation is tantamount to committing genocide of the Rohingya.
We want to emphasize that any decision taken by humanitarian groups and other actors without the participation of Rohingya community-based organizations, community key persons, and leaders is not acceptable. We must be involved in all decisions that affect our community.
We call on the international community to not only cut our food but also make time to help us return to our home, as repatriation is the only long-term solution to these frustrating issues.
-END-
Original statement here
Recommended
Oct. 5, 2024
Urgent Statement on the Rohingya Crisis and the Need for Regional Protection
We express our deep concern over the ongoing Rohingya crisis and the lack of a comprehensive and coordinated regional response to protect refugees in Southeast Asia. As the situation continues to deteriorate, we call for immediate action from ASEAN, its member states, and the international community.
Sept. 4, 2024
APRRN calls on Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution to free children in Malaysia!
“While children are killed and maimed in Myanmar, Palestine, and other countries around the world, Malaysia keeps those who have fled locked up indefinitely for seeking safety in its territory. This is wrong and unacceptable and must be changed in law and practice.” APRRN’s Co-Secretary General, Hafsar Tameesuddin.
Aug. 8, 2024
Press Release: Immediate Global Attention Needed to Prevent Extermination of Rohingya in Arakan State, Myanmar (Burma)
The Rohingya people of Arakan State are caught in the violent conflict between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military. Forced into a deadly power struggle, they face recruitment into fighting, displacement, hunger, and senseless violence. They continue to have their basic human rights violated on a daily basis. This crisis demands immediate and urgent global attention and action to prevent the extermination of the Rohingya people.