Bangladesh: Foreign Aid Cuts Severely Impact Rohingya Children’s Education – A Human Rights Watch Analysis

The educational prospects of Rohingya refugee children in Bangladesh are dimming rapidly due to significant reductions in foreign aid, as documented by Human Rights Watch and other international organizations. This situation threatens to create a ‘lost generation’ and exacerbates existing vulnerabilities within the Rohingya community, who fled violence in Myanmar.

Background: The Rohingya Refugee Crisis and Education Needs

Since August 2017, approximately 774,000 Rohingya refugees have fled Myanmar to Bangladesh following a military crackdown that the UN has described as ethnic cleansing. The vast majority reside in overcrowded refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Prior to the increased aid reductions, access to formal education was limited but growing, largely reliant on non-formal learning centers established by NGOs and international agencies. These centers provided basic literacy and numeracy skills, as well as psychosocial support. The Rohingya population has a historically low literacy rate, compounded by years of systemic discrimination and lack of educational opportunities in Myanmar. The need for education among children and adolescents within the camps is therefore immense, representing not just a right but a crucial element of protection and future recovery.

Current Context: Aid Cuts and Their Impact

In late 2023 and early 2024, several major donor countries, including the United States, the European Union, and Japan, announced significant reductions in aid to the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh. These cuts, largely attributed to competing global humanitarian crises (such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan), have severely impacted essential services, including education. The World Food Programme (WFP) has reduced food rations, forcing families to make difficult choices between food and education. Human Rights Watch reports that the cuts are leading to increased school dropout rates, as families prioritize immediate survival needs. Specifically, the reduced ability to afford school supplies, transportation, and the opportunity cost of children foregoing income-generating activities are major factors contributing to the problem. The number of learning centers operating has also decreased due to funding shortfalls.

Key Findings from Human Rights Watch and Other Reports

Human Rights Watch’s investigations, along with reports from UNHCR, UNICEF, and Save the Children, consistently highlight the following:

• Increased Dropout Rates: Children, especially girls, are increasingly being withdrawn from education to assist with household chores or contribute to family income.
• Teacher Shortages: Reduced funding is hindering the recruitment and retention of qualified teachers in the camps.
• Overcrowding: Existing learning centers are becoming increasingly overcrowded, compromising the quality of education.
• Psychosocial Impact: The lack of educational opportunities is exacerbating feelings of hopelessness and despair among Rohingya children, increasing the risk of psychosocial trauma and recruitment into negative coping mechanisms.
• Limited Access to Secondary Education: Access to secondary education remains severely limited, with very few opportunities available for Rohingya adolescents.

Risks and Long-Term Implications

The consequences of sustained cuts to education funding are far-reaching. A generation of Rohingya children deprived of education will face limited opportunities for future employment, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation and trafficking. The lack of education also hinders their ability to participate in potential future repatriation or resettlement programs. More broadly, the situation contributes to regional instability and undermines efforts to address the root causes of the Rohingya crisis. The failure to provide education also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and marginalization within the Rohingya community.

Opportunities and Potential Mitigation Strategies

Despite the challenges, several opportunities exist to mitigate the impact of aid cuts:

• Diversification of Funding Sources: Actively seeking funding from new donors, including the private sector and philanthropic organizations.
• Increased Government of Bangladesh Support: Advocating for increased budgetary allocation from the Government of Bangladesh for Rohingya education. While the government has allowed the camps to exist, increased educational investment would demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of the refugees.
• Integration of Digital Learning: Leveraging technology to expand access to education, particularly through the use of mobile learning platforms and online resources.
• Teacher Training and Support: Investing in teacher training programs to improve the quality of education delivered in the camps.
• Community-Based Education: Supporting community-based education initiatives that empower local communities to take ownership of their children’s education.
• Advocacy and Awareness Raising: Continuing to advocate for the rights of Rohingya refugee children and raising awareness about the urgent need for education funding.

Next Steps and the Role of International Actors

Addressing the educational crisis requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. International donors must prioritize the needs of Rohingya refugee children and restore funding for education programs. The Government of Bangladesh should continue to allow access to education and explore opportunities to integrate Rohingya children into the national education system, where feasible. NGOs and international organizations should continue to provide essential education services and advocate for the rights of Rohingya refugees. A long-term solution requires addressing the root causes of the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar and creating conditions conducive to their safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return.