UN’s concern over the Rohingya crisis is growing

Last Friday’s meeting between UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the high representative for the Rohingya to the chief adviser of Bangladesh, was an extraordinary diplomatic event that underscored the UN’s heightened alarm over the deteriorating Rohingya crisis. Normally, a UN secretary-general would only meet with a premier or head of state, not an adviser or representative. The fact that Guterres made this exception suggests that the UN is deeply concerned about the worsening conditions facing the Rohingya both in Bangladesh’s camps and within Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

This meeting highlighted three critical issues: the severity of the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the urgent need to secure international funding to prevent an impending famine, and the necessity of securing high-level UN backing for the Rohingya summit that will be held in Bangladesh this year.

Rahman’s discussions with Guterres focused on the dire humanitarian conditions in Rakhine State, where violence, displacement and food insecurity have reached alarming levels. With Myanmar’s internal conflict escalating and the Rohingya community remaining stateless and vulnerable, their plight is becoming increasingly unsustainable. The risk of famine looms large over Rakhine, exacerbating an already desperate situation where basic aid is scarce and access for humanitarian organizations is severely restricted.

The situation is equally grim in Bangladesh, where nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees are housed in overcrowded camps. Resources are stretched thin and conditions are deteriorating as international donor fatigue sets in. The World Food Programme has already had to cut rations due to funding shortfalls, putting refugees at greater risk of malnutrition and disease. These challenges make it imperative that the UN and the global community reengage with urgency to prevent further catastrophe.

With the Rohingya community remaining stateless and vulnerable, their plight is becoming increasingly unsustainable

Dr. Azeem Ibrahim

One of the most pressing issues Rahman raised was the declining external funding for Rohingya support. With international aid commitments waning, Bangladesh is struggling to maintain even the most basic provisions for the refugees. The reductions in aid have already led to cuts in food distribution, healthcare services and education programs in the camps, severely impacting the well-being of Rohingya families.

If this trend continues, the consequences will be disastrous. Hunger and malnutrition will rise sharply, leading to an increase in preventable deaths. The lack of educational opportunities will leave an entire generation of Rohingya youth without prospects for the future, further entrenching the cycle of despair. Without renewed funding and a commitment to humanitarian assistance, the situation risks spiraling out of control.

The upcoming UN International Conference on Rohingya Muslims and other Minorities of Myanmar presents a critical opportunity to mobilize the international community. Rahman rightly emphasized the necessity of securing Guterres’ support to ensure that this conference results in concrete action rather than just diplomatic rhetoric.

Having the UN secretary-general fully engaged in the process is crucial for leveraging global influence and ensuring that key stakeholders, including donor nations and regional actors, commit to sustainable solutions. This includes not only continued humanitarian aid but also renewed efforts to push Myanmar’s military leadership and ethnic groups toward a peaceful resolution that allows for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees.

The extraordinary nature of this meeting should serve as a wake-up call to the international community. The Rohingya crisis is not fading away — it is worsening, and the risk of a large-scale humanitarian disaster is very real. Bangladesh, despite its commendable efforts in hosting the Rohingya, cannot shoulder this burden alone. It is imperative that international donors recommit to funding lifesaving aid, that the UN steps up its diplomatic pressure on Myanmar, and that the Rohingya summit leads to tangible outcomes rather than empty promises.

Having the UN secretary-general fully engaged in the process is crucial for leveraging global influence

Dr. Azeem Ibrahim

Guterres’ willingness to meet with Rahman, despite the usual diplomatic protocol, is a sign that the UN recognizes the gravity of the situation. Now, the world must respond accordingly. If action is not taken immediately, the consequences will be devastating — not only for the Rohingya but also for regional stability and international humanitarian credibility.

However, it is not just the UN that must take the lead on this. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation can also play a crucial role in addressing the Rohingya crisis. As a collective voice for Muslim-majority nations, the OIC has the diplomatic leverage to pressure Myanmar’s government to recognize the Rohingya’s rights and ensure their safe return. It can also mobilize humanitarian aid for refugees in Bangladesh, where Rohingya communities face dire conditions due to dwindling international support.

Moreover, the OIC has been instrumental in bringing legal action against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice, holding the country accountable for genocide. By expanding economic and political pressure, member states can push for a sustainable resolution. Working with the UN, the OIC can advocate for inclusive governance in Myanmar, ensuring Rohingya representation in future political settlements.

A coordinated approach between the OIC and the UN is essential to securing justice, aid and long-term stability for the Rohingya.

• Dr. Azeem Ibrahim is the director of special initiatives at the Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy in Washington, DC. X: @AzeemIbrahim