The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received a new contribution of GBP 1.1 million (US$1.4 million) from the UK government to support its life-saving food assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. This follows an earlier allocation of GBP 8.7 million (US$11.6 million) in 2025 for WFP’s response to the Rohingya crisis. British officials emphasized that this support not only helps ensure families have access to nutritious food and essential services but also benefits Bangladesh’s economy by sourcing goods locally.
WFP assists nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees through an e-voucher system, providing each person with a US$12 monthly entitlement to purchase staple and fresh food items. The programme also delivers nutrition support for children under five and pregnant or breastfeeding women, school feeding for 260,000 children aged 3 to 14, and livelihoods interventions aimed at strengthening resilience for both the Rohingya and host communities.
WFP officials expressed gratitude to the UK for its continued support, highlighting the importance of international solidarity as humanitarian needs rise while funding declines. They noted that contributions like this are critical for vulnerable communities such as the Rohingya to meet their essential needs.
Now in its ninth year, the Rohingya crisis faces significant challenges, including a sharp decline in funding. WFP projects a US$147 million shortfall in 2026 for its food and nutrition programmes, and without new contributions, assistance for 1.2 million refugees could be disrupted as early as April.
