The Administrative Office of Rohingya Centres (Head Office), UK expresses deep concern over the recent announcement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reduce UK aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of Gross National Income (GNI). This reduction could result in a £6 billion cut, severely impacting vulnerable communities already facing humanitarian crises.
At this critical juncture, when millions of people displaced, including the Rohingya and other marginalized communities in Burma, are struggling for survival, the UK must reaffirm its leadership in global humanitarian efforts. The Rohingya, who have endured systematic persecution and mass displacement at the hands of the Burmese military, remain in desperate need of international support.
Rising Threats in Burma and the Arakan Region
While the Burmese military under Min Aung Hlaing continues its well-documented atrocities, reports indicate that the Arakan Army (AA), a non-state armed group, is also engaging in severe human rights abuses. The expanding conflict and brutal campaigns by both forces are worsening the humanitarian crisis in Burma’s Arakan region, forcing millions into displacement and destitution.
Impact on Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh
The UK’s aid cuts will also deeply affect Bangladesh, home to the largest refugee camp in the world, where over 1.5 million Rohingya refugees reside. Many already face acute food shortages, deteriorating living conditions, and growing insecurity. Reduced humanitarian assistance will exacerbate these challenges, threatening the lives and dignity of one of the most persecuted communities in the world.
RCUK’s Appeal to the UK Government
RCUK joins Burma Campaign UK and other humanitarian organisations in urging Prime Minister Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reconsider these cuts and instead strengthen the UK’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts.
Dr. Mohammad Khubybe, Director General of International Engagement at RCUK, stated:
“The reduction in UK aid is a severe setback for communities affected by conflict in Burma. As the Burmese military escalates its oppression and the Arakan Army engages in ruthless offensives, humanitarian assistance is more crucial than ever. Cutting aid at this moment could cost lives and diminish the UK’s historic role in supporting human rights and humanitarian relief. We urge the UK government to stand by those in need.”
Mohammed Amin, CEO of RCUK, stated:
“The Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh are already facing an urgent humanitarian crisis. The UK has long been a leader in providing lifesaving support to these refugees. A further reduction in aid will worsen malnutrition, insecurity, and suffering for over 1.5 million displaced Rohingya. The UK must step up, not step back, from its moral and humanitarian responsibilities.”
We stand in solidarity with all those advocating for justice and urge the UK government to prioritise the lives and dignity of the most vulnerable communities.
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