Attachments
SITUATION OVERVIEW
Over one million Rohingya refugees reside in Cox’s Bazar, the world’s largest refugee settlement, where they face daily challenges across 33 densely populated camps. Despite ongoing humanitarian assistance from the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and the international community, the complex needs are immense, and durable solutions remain uncertain. In 2025, a surge in new arrivals of Rohingya from Myanmar has further strained available resources and capacities in the camps.
Dependent on aid, the Rohingya face restrictions that limit their movement, access to work, and housing outside the camps, leading to vulnerabilities such as irregular migration and trafficking. The crisis, now protracted, affects not only the refugees but also the environment and local communities. The rapid influx of people has strained resources, amplified waste management issues, and heightened climate-related vulnerabilities within Cox’s Bazar. Host communities, especially in Ukhiya and Teknaf, also bear the long-term socioeconomic impact of this crisis, requiring sustained support to ease the pressure on livelihoods and resources.
Compounding these challenges is climate change, which intensifies risks such as flooding, cyclones, and sea-level rise, with environmental degradation worsening the threats to the well-being of the refugees and their host communities. Women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities face heightened vulnerabilities, such as limited mobility during evacuations, increased risks of gender-based violence, and reduced access to essential resources and services, further exacerbating their hardships. Adaptation strategies and international collaboration are essential to mitigate these impacts and ensure more sustainable living conditions.
While international stakeholders continue to promote solutions within Myanmar to facilitate the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of the Rohingya, the situation remains precarious. The need to maintain support for humanitarian operations has grown more pertinent in 2025. Long-term responses must consider the needs of both the Rohingya and the host communities, prioritizing resilience, conflict sensitivity, environmental sustainability, and development to address this enduring crisis effectively.
Aligned with IOM’s Strategic Plan 2024-2028, IOM Bangladesh will continue to provide lifesaving support to the Rohingya as they enter their eighth year of displacement. In 2025, IOM’s priorities include ensuring dignity, safety, and protection for the Rohingya, while delivering quality services across sectors based on community feedback. We will also support vulnerable host community members and address the environmental impact of the refugee influx.