BSS
  24 Mar 2025, 21:42

JRP seeks $934.5m to aid Rohingyas, host communities

File Photo

DHAKA, March 24, 2025 (BSS) – The United Nations (UN) and its partners have launched the 2025 Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, seeking $934.5m to assist 1.48m people, including Rohingyas and Bangladeshi host communities.

The plan, unveiled today under the leadership of the Bangladesh government, aims to address the ongoing humanitarian needs of Rohingyas living in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, as well as the host communities in Ukhiya and Teknaf.

Now in its seventh year, the JRP serves as an annual fundraising document, outlining the humanitarian community's strategy to respond to the assessed needs of both the refugees and host communities.

The 2025 JRP brings together 113 partners, including UN agencies, Bangladeshi, and international NGOs, with nearly half of the partners being national organizations from Bangladesh.

The plan focuses on five key objectives including facilitating the voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar; strengthening protection and resilience for Rohingya women, men, girls, and boys; delivering life-saving assistance to vulnerable populations; promoting the well-being of host communities; and enhancing disaster risk management and addressing the impacts of climate change.

In a video message, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis underscored the pressing need for continued international support.

"The majority of Rohingyas fled violence and persecution eight years ago, with thousands more arriving recently as fighting in Rakhine escalates. We have registered 65,000 people in the last year, but thousands more are still waiting for registration and access to assistance," Lewis said.

She highlighted the growing challenges posed by funding cuts, warning that essential services, including food rations and health programs, are under threat.

"With 27% of children under two already malnourished, further cuts could have devastating consequences," she added.

Lewis made an urgent appeal to the international community, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, to show solidarity with the Rohingya and Bangladeshi people.

"Please let them know they have not been forgotten," she said.

Since 2017, Bangladesh has hosted more than a million Rohingyas who fled violence in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

As the crisis continues, the JRP remains a critical mechanism for mobilizing resources to support the rohingyas and ease the burden on host communities.