International Organization for Migration (IOM) Global Goodwill Ambassador Dimash Qudaibergen has called on the international community to strengthen support for Rohingya refugees living in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, following a humanitarian visit to the refugee camps. During his two-day mission, Dimash met refugee families, youth volunteers, and humanitarian workers to better understand the challenges faced by one of the world’s largest displaced populations.
The visit comes nearly nine years after hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people fled violence in Myanmar and sought refuge in Bangladesh. Despite ongoing humanitarian efforts, many refugees continue to rely entirely on aid for basic necessities, while host communities in Cox’s Bazar are also facing increasing economic and social pressure due to prolonged displacement and funding shortages.
During his visit, Dimash emphasized that the global community must not overlook the humanitarian needs of the Rohingya population. He highlighted the importance of sustained support in areas such as shelter, healthcare, clean cooking energy, sanitation, protection services, and skills development. He also praised the resilience of both the refugee communities and the Bangladeshi host population that continues to support displaced families despite significant local challenges.
The humanitarian mission included visits to several IOM-supported programmes across the camps. Dimash observed emergency preparedness measures for monsoon rains, floods, and fires, as well as projects promoting clean energy cooking solutions to reduce environmental degradation and health risks. He also visited healthcare facilities providing outpatient services, immunization programmes, and mental health support through coordinated humanitarian systems.
At the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre, Dimash engaged with community-led initiatives focused on preserving cultural identity and promoting emotional wellbeing through storytelling and artistic expression. The visit highlighted the importance of protecting not only the physical safety of displaced communities but also their cultural dignity and long-term resilience.
The IOM and humanitarian partners continue to warn that growing funding gaps threaten essential services for refugees and host communities alike. International agencies have repeatedly stressed the need for sustained financial and political support to prevent worsening humanitarian conditions and to ensure displaced populations have access to basic services and protection.
As a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the IOM, Dimash Qudaibergen uses his international platform to raise awareness about migration, displacement, and humanitarian crises worldwide. His visit to Bangladesh aimed to draw renewed global attention to the Rohingya crisis and encourage greater international solidarity with displaced communities affected by conflict and instability.
