The UK government has been accused of abandoning Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh after cutting aid to the humanitarian response by more than 40 percent. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) pledged £27.6 million to the joint response plan launched this week, compared with £47.5 million last year.
Charities have warned of catastrophic consequences for the refugees, most of whom live in overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar. Kirsty McNeill, executive director of policy at Save the Children, said the cuts were 'shortsighted' and would hit the world’s most vulnerable people. She noted that the camps have been struggling to contain Covid-19 and have experienced more than 80 fires this year.
Bangladeshi authorities imposed a lockdown in five refugee camps on Thursday following a rise in coronavirus cases. The UN refugee agency reported 320 cases in April and May, more than a third of the total since the pandemic began. Anupom Barua, principal of Cox’s Bazar Medical College, described the infection rate as 'alarming'.
Tun Khin, president of the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK, said the cuts would primarily affect children, warning of a 'lost generation' due to lack of education. Burma Campaign UK also criticised Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab for not matching his condemnation of the Myanmar coup with financial support.
The UK government defended its record, stating it remains a leading donor, having contributed over £321 million since 2017. It added that the overall aid budget has been temporarily reduced from 0.7% to 0.5% of gross national income due to the economic impact of the pandemic, but it aims to increase spending again when possible.
