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.

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Original statement here