WFP welcomes fresh injection of UK funds for Rohingya Food Aid

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DHAKA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)’s lifesaving food assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh has received new support from the Government of the United Kingdom.

The latest contribution of GBP 1.1 million (USD 1.4 million) received in December 2025, follows earlier allocations of GBP 8.7 million (USD 11.6 million) from the United Kingdom in 2025 for WFP’s Rohingya response.

James Goldman, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh and Development Director at the British High Commission, Dhaka stated: ‘’The UK is proud to continue supporting WFP’s vital work for Rohingya refugees, ensuring families have access to nutritious food and essential services. Together, we will keep working to provide the essentials they need and build hope for a better future. This support will also directly benefit Bangladesh’s economy by sourcing goods locally from suppliers within host communities.”

Through an e-voucher system, WFP supports the entire Rohingya community, now nearly 1.2 million people, with lifesaving food assistance. Families receive an entitlement of USD 12 per person per month to purchase a variety of staple and fresh food items. In addition, WFP provides nutrition support to prevent and treat malnutrition for children under 5 and pregnant and breastfeeding women; school feeding for 260,000 Rohingya children aged 3–14; and livelihoods interventions to strengthen resilience for both Rohingya and host community members.

“We are deeply grateful to the UK for continuing to stand with the Rohingya community and supporting WFP’s efforts to meet their essential needs,” said Simone Parchment, WFP Country Director a.i. “At a time when needs are rising and humanitarian funding is declining, the solidarity of the UK and the international community is what vulnerable communities like the Rohingya rely on to survive.”

Now in its ninth year, the Rohingya crisis is confronting severe challenges, including a sharp decline in funding. In 2026, WFP faces a USD 147 million shortfall for its lifesaving food and nutrition programmes. Without new contributions, this assistance could be disrupted as early as April. - UNB