What's happened
Since US aid reductions in 2025, child violations in Rohingya camps have surged, including increased child marriage, labor, and kidnapping. School closures have left thousands without education, trapping many girls in abusive marriages and children in trafficking networks. The aid cuts have deepened the humanitarian crisis.
What's behind the headline?
The aid cuts by the US, justified by claims of increased efficiency, have had devastating consequences for Rohingya children. The closure of schools and reduction of funding for child protection have directly contributed to a spike in child marriage, labor, and kidnapping. The increase in armed group recruitment and trafficking highlights how vulnerable children have become targets in the chaos. This strategy, while possibly aimed at cost-saving, will likely prolong and deepen the humanitarian crisis, making recovery and stability in the camps far more difficult. The US’s withdrawal from its traditional leadership role in aid provision has created a power vacuum that local and international actors are struggling to fill, risking further deterioration of conditions.
What the papers say
The articles from Al Jazeera, The Independent, and AP News collectively highlight the severe impact of US aid reductions on Rohingya children. Al Jazeera provides a detailed personal account of Hasina, illustrating the human toll, while The Independent emphasizes the broader policy implications and the surge in violations. AP News offers a comprehensive overview of the statistical rise in child abuse and trafficking, underscoring the crisis's scale. Contrasting opinions include the US State Department’s claim of increased burden sharing and efficiency, which appears disconnected from the on-the-ground realities documented by aid agencies and journalists. This divergence underscores the complexity of evaluating aid effectiveness and the real-world consequences of policy decisions.
How we got here
The Rohingya refugee crisis escalated after Myanmar's military killed thousands of Rohingya in 2017, prompting mass displacement to Bangladesh. The US has historically been the largest aid provider, but in January 2025, President Trump’s administration cut aid, citing inefficiency. This decision coincided with a broader reduction in international funding, severely impacting humanitarian programs, education, and child protection efforts in the camps.
Go deeper
Common question
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How Has U.S. Aid Reduction Impacted Rohingya Children?
The reduction of U.S. aid to Rohingya camps has led to a worsening humanitarian crisis, especially affecting children. With funding cuts, many children face increased risks of child marriage, child labor, and violence. Curious about how these changes are unfolding and what can be done? Below, we explore the current conditions in Rohingya camps and what actions might help address this urgent crisis.
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How Do U.S. Aid Cuts Impact Global Humanitarian Crises?
Recent reductions in U.S. foreign aid have sparked widespread concern about their effects on vulnerable populations worldwide. From worsening conflicts to increased suffering among displaced communities, understanding the consequences of aid cuts is crucial. Below, we explore key questions about how U.S. policy changes influence global crises and what the international response looks like.
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How Have US Aid Cuts Worsened Conditions in Rohingya Camps?
The reduction of US aid in 2025 has significantly impacted the humanitarian situation in Rohingya refugee camps. With less funding, vital services like education, child protection, and healthcare have been severely affected. This has led to an increase in child rights violations, including child marriage, trafficking, and forced labor. Many wonder how these aid cuts are influencing the daily lives of Rohingya children and what can be done to improve the crisis. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this urgent issue.
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