UN Secretary-General António Guterres, during his visit to the Rohingya refugee camps in southern Bangladesh, vowed to do everything in his power to prevent further hardship as drastic aid cuts threaten food supplies and other critical relief efforts.
UN aid efforts are in jeopardy following funding reductions announced by major donors, including the United States and several European nations.Mr. Guterres described Cox’s Bazar as “ground zero” for the impact of these cuts, warning of a looming humanitarian disaster if immediate action is not taken.“We are at risk of cutting the food rations in this camp,” he said.“That would be an unmitigated disaster that we cannot accept because people will suffer and even people will die.” A mission of solidarityMr. Guterres emphasised that his visit, which took place during the holy month of Ramadan, was a mission of solidarity with the Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi people who generously host them.“I am here to shine a global spotlight on the plight – but also the potential – of Rohingya refugees,” he said.“The more than one million Rohingya refugees here are proud. They are resilient. And they need the world’s support.”He praised the support offered by Bangladesh and local communities who have shared their land, forests, water and resources with the refugees, calling it nothing short of “enormous.”Bangladesh is hosting over one million Rohingya refugees who fled violence in neighbouring Myanmar. The largest exodus followed brutal attacks by Myanmar security forces in 2017, a series of events that the then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein described as “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.”World cannot turn its backThe Secretary-General emphasised that the international community cannot turn its back on the Rohingya crisis.“We cannot accept that the international community forgets about the Rohingyas,” he said, adding that he will “speak loudly” to world leaders that more support is urgently needed.“It is essential that the international community does everything to make sure that peace is reestablished in Myanmar and that the rights of the Rohingyas are respected, that discrimination and persecution like the one we have witnessed in the past, will end.”He stressed that the solution to the crisis “must be found in Myanmar.”  “We will not give up until conditions allow for the voluntary, safe and sustainable return for all refugees here.” Frontlines of climate changeMr. Guterres also highlighted the dire conditions in the camps, worsened by climate change.  “These camps – and the communities that host them – are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Summers are scorching, and the chance of fires skyrocket. In the cyclone and monsoon seasons, floods and dangerous landslides destroy homes and lives,” he said.Beyond immediate aid, he stressed the need for education, skills training and opportunities for the refugees, warning that many families feel they have no option but to risk perilous sea journeys in search of a better future.Iftar with refugeesMr. Guterres ended his visit to Cox’s Bazar by participating in an Iftar meal with Rohingya refugees.“Fasting and having an Iftar together with you are proof of my deep respect for your religion and your culture,” he said.“This is the holy month of Ramadan, the month of solidarity.  It would be unacceptable that in the month of solidarity, the international community would reduce the support to the Rohingyas in Bangladesh,” he added, stressing that he would do everything to ensure it does not happen.   Written By Vibhu Mishra for UN News, filtered_html

15 March 2025Speaking to the media on Saturday, the Secretary-General praised Bangladesh’s progress and highlighted the role of the international community in supporting the country’s future.“I am particularly pleased to be in Bangladesh at this important moment in your national journey,” Mr. Guterres said, acknowledging the leadership of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and the hopes of the Bangladeshi people for greater democracy, justice and prosperity.Bangladesh has been undergoing a period of transition following the resignation and departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last August after weeks of student-led protests. More than 300 people, including many children, were reportedly killed and over 20,000 injured in a brutal crackdown by security forces.Ms. Hasina had been in power since January 2009, having previously served as Prime Minister from 1996 to 2001.A pivotal moment“This is a pivotal moment for Bangladesh and the international community must play its part in supporting your efforts towards a just, inclusive and prosperous future,” Mr. Guterres said.He added that the country and its people can count on the UN as a “steadfast partner”, working alongside them to help build a sustainable and equitable future for all.“As Bangladesh undergoes important reforms and transitions, I want to assure you that the UN stands ready to assist in fostering peace, national dialogue, trust and healing,” he said.Mission of solidarityThe Secretary-General’s visit, coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, was an opportunity to express solidarity with both the Bangladeshi people and the Rohingya refugees who have found shelter in the country.Bangladesh is hosting over one million Rohingya refugees who fled violence in neighbouring Myanmar. The largest exodus followed brutal attacks by Myanmar security forces in 2017, a series of events that the then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein described as “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.”On Friday, Mr. Guterres visited the refugee camps in southern Cox’s Bazar, meeting with Rohingya refugees and participating in an Iftar meal with them and members of the host community in the evening.“I had an extremely moving visit to Cox’s Bazar yesterday. Ramadan reminds us of the universal values that connect humanity: compassion, empathy and generosity. Bangladesh is a living symbol of these values through your commitment to peace, development and humanitarian relief,” he said.UN Secretary-General António Guterres meets with Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser, Touhid Hossain, in Dhaka.Contributions to peacekeepingMr. Guterres highlighted Bangladesh’s support to the United Nations and its mission, particularly in peacekeeping.Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, with thousands of soldiers serving in some of the world’s most dangerous environments.“I want to pay tribute to the sacrifices and dedication of Bangladeshi peacekeepers,” he said.During his visit, the Secretary-General also met with top officials including Chief Adviser Yunus; Foreign Adviser Md. Towhid Hossain; and Khalilur Rahman, High Representative on Rohingya Issues. He also met with Bangladeshi youth representatives and members of the civil society.Support for Rohingya refugeesWhile acknowledging Bangladesh’s accomplishments, the UN chief also stressed the urgency of continued support for the Rohingya refugees.“By offering Rohingya refugees sanctuary, Bangladesh has demonstrated solidarity and human dignity, often at significant social, environmental and economic cost,” he said.However, the situation remains dire, with significant cuts in international funding for humanitarian aid threatening to worsen the crisis.Mr. Guterres warned the funding cuts could result in severe food aid shortages, a situation he described as “an unmitigated disaster”.“People would suffer, and people would die,” he warned.UN Secretary-General António Guterres joins Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, for Iftar.Need for safe, dignified returnsAlongside greater international support to sustain critical aid efforts, the Secretary-General underscored the need to finding a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis, in particular the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar.However, the situation there continues to deteriorate.“The escalation of violence and human rights violations across Myanmar, including in Rakhine state, are causing civilian casualties and driving displacement internally and across borders,” Mr. Guterres said.He urged all parties in Myanmar to prioritise civilian protection, avoid further incitement of violence and pave the way for democracy to take root, creating conditions for the dignified return of the Rohingya.  Written by By Vibhu Mishra for UN News, filtered_html

Kakoli Mondal's journey is a testament to resilience and transformation in the face of adversity. Living in the coastal areas of southwestern Bangladesh, where access to clean and safe drinking water is a daily struggle, Kakoli, a 32-year-old mother, has navigated the challenges of ensuring her family's well-being. Married at a young age and now the mother of two daughters, Kakoli found herself in a situation where she, along with the other female members of her family, had to work tirelessly to fetch water from various sources. 
The absence of safe water options within a reasonable distance meant that they had to contend with water contaminated with arsenic and salinity, especially during the challenging wet seasons when roads became impassable.Despite their economic limitations, Kakoli and her family managed to install a shallow tube-well. However, it, too, fell victim to contamination. The cost of purchasing water from private entrepreneurs with reverse osmosis plants proved prohibitive for Kakoli, pushing her to find innovative solutions.
In a stroke of creativity, Kakoli started collecting rainwater in large plastic packets, sealing them carefully, and hanging them from bamboo structures in the shade. This method allowed her to preserve water for more than half the year, ensuring a consistent supply for her family. While proud of her resourcefulness, Kakoli remained concerned about the water's quality using this unprotected preservation technique.  Kakoli's life took a positive turn when the "Arsenic Safe Union" initiative, a collaborative effort between the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and UNICEF, was executed from 2017 in the coastal Assasuni Upazila. Funded by the Embassy of Sweden and implemented by DPHE-UNICEF, with support from the EPRC, the project aimed to provide safe water to all, primarily focusing on impoverished and vulnerable communities. At the project's onset, community clusters were established through the formation of community-based organizations (CBOs) in each village, fostering a platform for voicing concerns and promoting demand creation.
A comprehensive community situation analysis, utilizing social and resource mapping, was conducted to assess the socio-economic conditions and the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) situation. Emphasis was placed on community participation, incorporating their knowledge and experiences in the analysis. The survey produced community-level social maps, identifying households lacking safe water access. This information optimized the site selection process, creating a list of beneficiaries. 
In addition to hardware allocation, a detailed awareness program was implemented at the community level. This included orientation on WASH, arsenic awareness programs, water safety planning, and motivation to improve sanitation and hygiene through the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach. The Bangladeshi NGO, Environment and Population Research Centre (EPRC), conducted workshops and courtyard sessions to educate communities about the importance of sanitation and the risks associated with drinking contaminated water.  Empowered by this awareness, Kakoli Mondal applied for safe water options through Local Government Institutions (LGIs).  The selection authority reviewed baseline and community situation analysis (CSA) results, selecting Kakoli’s community for intervention. A technical review committee assessed feasibility assessment results, determining safe water options, specifically a Deep TubeWell (DTW), based on a scientific approach targeting arsenic and salinity considerations. After installation, water quality was rigorously tested in the DPHE lab and validated during third-party monitoring at the ICDDR'B lab. The safe water options were handed over to the community, accompanied by caretaker training and the provision of necessary maintenance tools. Users, especially those involved in water transportation, underwent training on water safety planning.Now, Kakoli Mondal, equipped with knowledge on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WSAH) issues, enjoys access to safe water from the Deep Tube-Well, contributing to her community's improved health and well-being.
Kakoli's story is one of empowerment, resourcefulness, and positive change. Through her determination and the support of initiatives like the "Arsenic Safe Union," she has not only secured safe water for her family but has become a beacon of hope and knowledge for her community, demonstrating that transformative change is possible, even in the most challenging circumstances.   , filtered_html

Breaking the Silence on Violence Against Women and Adolescent Girls in BangladeshA woman’s right to live a life free of violence is not a privilege— it is a fundamental human right. Yet, for millions of women and girls worldwide, including in Bangladesh, this right is routinely denied and remains out of reach. As one of the most pervasive human rights violations, violence against women and girls not only impedes their potential but also limits a nation's progress, growth, and stability. It is not just an individual tragedy, but a lived reality and a systemic crisis that weakens families, communities, and the society at large. In Bangladesh, the scale of the problem demands our urgent attention. Findings from the recent Violence Against Women Survey 2024 released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics reveal a sobering reality — 70% of women have experienced at least one form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime, with 41% facing such violence in the past year alone. The forms of intimate partner violence surveyed include physical, sexual, economic, and emotional violence as well as controlling behaviours. Equally concerning is the prevalence of non-partner violence, which encompasses physical and sexual violence. About 16% of women reported experiencing non-partner violence from relatives, neighbors, or strangers since the age of 15.We must bear in mind that media reports are just the tip of the iceberg, as violence against women and girls is often silenced due to fear, stigma or lack of support systems. Service providers, civil society organisations, police, and health workers play a crucial role in responding to cases, yet their data only reflects incidents that are reported. The Violence Against Women Survey reveals a staggering 64% of survivors never share their experiences. Many believe it is a “normal” family matter. This silence is even more pronounced among older women, rural populations, and those facing multiple forms of discrimination. Data from service providers does not capture the scale of violence. The prevalence survey is the closest we can get to understanding the scale of violence against women.  The survey reveals that women in disaster-prone areas experience higher levels of violence than those in non-disaster-prone regions. 74 per cent of women in these areas have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime, compared to 68 per cent in other parts of the country. The survey confirms what we have long recognised: the climate crisis is not gender-neutral. Disasters intensify existing inequalities, disrupt protection systems, and restrict women's and girls’ access to essential services. With inadequate shelters and safety nets, women are at greater risk. Furthermore, the survey also reveals the intersectionality between gender and age, which deepens the vulnerabilities of adolescent girls. The data shows that married adolescent girls in Bangladesh experience disproportionately high levels of intimate partner violence in the last 12 months, making them the most affected age group. This is unfortunately linked to child marriage, which affects nearly half of the girls in Bangladesh who are married before their 18th birthday. The adolescent girls are also highly vulnerable to non-partner violence. One enumerator recalls being alarmed by the extent of violence experienced by older women. “Honestly, I didn’t expect them to face violence at this stage of their lives,” she said. However, her perspective quickly shifted as she interviewed many older survivors of violence, who perhaps never disclosed their experiences to anyone before.  Even when survivors do come forward, they encounter several challenges—from social judgments to financial costs. According to the survey, out-of-pocket expenses for legal and medical support likely deter women from pursuing justice or treatment. High healthcare costs, lengthy legal processes, and fear of family backlash all converge to keep survivors trapped in cycles of violence. There is an urgent need to expand survivor-centered multi-sectoral services and break the culture of silence around violence against women. Greater awareness of toll-free hotlines—999 and 109—is crucial as current use is low. ​​Survivors need to have timely, compassionate, and comprehensive access to the Essential Services Package, which includes health, social services, police, and justice sectors. It is equally important to address the root causes of violence against women and harmful practices by investing in women's and girls' empowerment, leadership, education, and economic opportunities along with actively engaging men and boys as allies. The UN is working closely with the Government of Bangladesh and civil society partners to strengthen both response and prevention of violence against women and girls. By reinforcing legislative frameworks, investing in prevention, and ensuring services are accessible and effective, Bangladesh can move toward a reality where every woman lives free from fear and harm. Ending the pandemic of violence against women is not just a moral obligation—it is essential for the nation’s sustainable development. There are signs of hope. We have seen communities rally to end violence against women, local councils promote safe spaces, and youth speaking up against violence. The momentum for change is here. It requires sustained collective efforts from government institutions, civil society, development partners, media, and local communities.  If more women and girls can safely engage in their communities, schools, and workplaces, Bangladesh will be stronger—both in fulfilling its gender equality commitments and realizing the sustainable development goals (SDGs). This International Women’s Day, let us commit to ensuring that every survivor has access to quality healthcare, justice, and dignity. This is very much within reach, only if we act decisively, collectively, and with urgency. This opinion article is authored by Gwyn Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator; Gitanjali Singh, UN Women Representative; and Masaki Watabe, UNFPA Representative a.i.       , filtered_html