A surge in crime is being reported in Rohingya refugee camps as severe food aid cuts push over a million refugees toward desperation. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has reduced monthly food assistance from $12.50 to just $6, raising fears of a humanitarian and security crisis.

The Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission warns that the more than 50% cut in food aid is driving refugees into extreme hunger, leading to theft, robbery, and other crimes within and around the camps. Many Rohingya say they have no choice but to take desperate measures to survive.

Rising Crime, Desperate Refugees

Local authorities and residents of Ukhia and Teknaf, where the camps are located, report an increase in food-related thefts and security concerns. “Hunger is pushing people to steal. If food aid keeps shrinking, things will only get worse,” said a local shopkeeper.

Mohammad Jobayer, chairman of the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights, echoed these fears: “With just $6 per month, refugees will starve. When people have no food, they will do anything to survive.”

In previous years, reductions in aid have led to rising malnutrition and social unrest. In 2023, when food assistance was cut from $12 to $8, child malnutrition jumped by 15%, and crime rates in and around the camps also saw an uptick.

Security Threats Beyond the Camps

Authorities warn that the crisis is not confined to the refugee camps. There are over 500,000 local residents in the host areas, and they fear that worsening conditions will drive Rohingya refugees to leave the camps in search of food, leading to increased theft, robbery, and even violence.

“We are already struggling,” said a local resident. “Now, with food aid being cut again, crime will spread beyond the camps, and we will be at risk too.”

WFP Calls for Urgent Intervention

The WFP has sounded the alarm, saying that food assistance is the only lifeline for Rohingya refugees, who have no means of earning a livelihood. WFP Country Director Dom Scalpelli warned, “The Rohingya have nowhere to go. If food aid is not restored, hunger will lead to more instability.”

With funding shortages affecting refugee aid worldwide, the situation in Bangladesh’s Rohingya camps is becoming increasingly dire. If emergency funds are not secured, hunger-driven crimes will continue to rise, putting both refugees and locals at risk.
 

BOB Post