As United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres visits Bangladesh, international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) have urged the global community to take immediate and coordinated action to address the worsening Rohingya crisis.

With funding shortages and shifting international priorities threatening critical humanitarian aid, INGOs warn that failure to act will exacerbate economic pressures and social tensions in host communities.

Severe funding cuts, set to take effect in April, will reduce food rations by over half, further straining essential services such as nutrition, water and sanitation, protection, shelter, and livelihoods, according to a statement from INGOs.

Now in its eighth year, the Rohingya crisis continues to place a heavy burden on Bangladesh’s resources while donor commitments decline amid competing global emergencies.

INGOs emphasise the need for a long-term, sustainable approach that integrates humanitarian relief, development, and peace-building.

They advocate for the implementation of a Triple Nexus Approach, which links immediate aid efforts with economic opportunities, skills training, and livelihood programs to reduce dependency and foster self-reliance among both Rohingya refugees and host communities.

Hasina Rahman, representative of the INGO Strategic Executive Group for Rohingya Response and Country Director of the International Rescue Committee, emphasised the urgency of political commitment.

“The Rohingya crisis is not just a resource crisis but a crisis of political will. The UN and the international community must ensure sustained support and invest in long-term solutions,” she stated.

Leading humanitarian organisations—including ACF, ActionAid, Cordaid, Concern Worldwide, DRC, Handicap International, International Rescue Committee, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Plan International, Save the Children, and World Vision—have collectively called for renewed global support.

Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, warned against neglecting the issue. “Without immediate and decisive action, we risk allowing the Rohingya crisis to become a forgotten tragedy. A people-cantered approach, ensuring livelihoods, skills, and education opportunities, is the way forward,” she said.

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Oxfam Bangladesh Country Director Ashish Damle called for a structured and dedicated mission to manage the crisis effectively. “The Rohingya are not just numbers in a database—they are human beings. Given the prolonged nature of this crisis, we urge global stakeholders to consider a sustainable response,” he remarked.

While continued humanitarian support remains essential, INGOs stressed that the ultimate solution lies in the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar. Achieving this requires stronger international diplomatic efforts to ensure Myanmar recognizes their rights, guarantees their safety, and creates conditions conducive to their return.

INGOs also emphasised the need for regional and global engagement to explore sustainable pathways, including resettlement options.

Kabita Bose, country director of Plan International Bangladesh, highlighted the plight of Rohingya women and children. “Half of the people in the refugee camps are women and girls, while more than 500,000 children are growing up in uncertainty. The world must stand by them until we can ensure safe and dignified repatriation,” she said.

Sibghatullah Ahmed, country manager of Handicap International Federation, stressed the importance of inclusive support. “We emphasise the need for greater collaboration to address the needs of the entire displaced community, including persons with disabilities, while working toward sustainable and long-term solutions,” he said.

Echoing the collective call for action, Sumitra Mukherjee, country director of the Danish Refugee Council in Bangladesh, urged global stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment.

“We must unite, strengthen our coordination, and ensure that the Rohingya and host communities don’t feel abandoned by the international system,” she said.

With the crisis at a critical juncture, INGOs are calling on the international community to step up before conditions further deteriorate.

They stress that bold and decisive action is needed to secure a sustainable future where Rohingya refugees and host communities are not left in limbo but empowered to reclaim their rights and dignity.