US pledges $60m for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh

The US announced more than $60 million in new assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, while urging Bangladesh to make "meaningful policy changes" to allow the refugees greater livelihood opportunities.

Charles Harder, US Special Envoy for Best Future Generations, made the announcement at the UN-hosted high-level conference on Rohingyas in New York yesterday.

He said the move underscores Washington's commitment to saving lives and providing critical assistance "where it is needed most."

The funding comes at a time when global aid for the Rohingya crisis has been sharply declining. Until September 29, only 38 percent of the $934 million required for 2025 had been secured, raising concerns that the World Food Programme may be unable to provide food beyond November.

Since 2017, the US has contributed nearly $2.4 billion in humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees, according to the State Department.

Harder warned, however, that the US cannot shoulder the burden indefinitely. "It is long past time for other governments and actors in the region to develop sustainable solutions for the Rohingya. All nations, organisations, and private donors must step forward and share the burden," he said.

He reaffirmed Washington's support for Rohingya and other ethnic minorities in Myanmar facing persecution, while denouncing the military regime for atrocities, forced displacement, and the use of child soldiers.

"We are deeply concerned about reports of ongoing atrocities, particularly in Rakhine State," Harder said, urging all armed actors, including the military and the Arakan Army, to protect civilians, allow humanitarian access, and respect international law.

Despite Asean and UN efforts to create conditions for dialogue, violence and instability have only worsened, he said.

He also rejected the Myanmar junta's plan to hold elections that exclude major political parties, calling instead for a ceasefire and genuine dialogue. "Our goal is a future in which all people of Myanmar can live in safety, dignity, and peace. Our focus now should be on a ceasefire, a genuine dialogue which is critical to shape the country's future," he said.