What's happened
Since U.S. aid was dismantled in January, child marriage, labor, and abductions in Rohingya camps have surged. Funding reductions have led to school closures, increased vulnerability, and human rights violations among children, with aid agencies warning of worsening conditions and rising violence.
What's behind the headline?
The aid cuts have had catastrophic consequences for Rohingya children, exposing them to increased violence and exploitation. The closure of schools and youth programs has left many girls vulnerable to forced marriages and abuse, while children as young as 10 are now engaged in manual labor or targeted by traffickers. The quadrupling of kidnapping reports and the eightfold increase in armed group recruitment highlight the deteriorating security environment. These developments reveal how the reduction of international aid, justified by claims of inefficiency, directly undermines vulnerable populations' safety and well-being. The U.S. aid withdrawal not only hampers immediate relief efforts but also risks long-term destabilization of the camps and further human rights violations. This situation underscores the importance of sustained, effective humanitarian funding, especially in conflict zones where vulnerable populations depend entirely on external support. The current trajectory suggests worsening conditions unless aid levels are restored and targeted interventions are implemented to protect children and restore educational opportunities.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that aid cuts have led to increased child marriage, child labor, and violence in Rohingya camps, with school closures and protection programs severely impacted. AP News highlights the dramatic rise in abductions and armed group recruitment, linking these to the U.S. dismantling USAID and reducing funding. Both sources emphasize the devastating impact on children, with UNICEF warning that the aid reductions have caused starvation and increased exploitation. The U.S. State Department claims to have provided over $168 million since Trump took office, but data shows a decline in actual contributions for 2025, raising questions about the effectiveness and transparency of aid disbursements. The contrasting narratives reflect the complex consequences of aid policy decisions, with humanitarian agencies warning of a worsening crisis that could have lasting regional repercussions.
How we got here
The U.S. government, under President Trump, shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in January, citing wastefulness despite only 1% of the U.S. budget allocated to foreign aid. This decision significantly reduced humanitarian funding for the Rohingya, a persecuted minority fleeing Myanmar to camps in Bangladesh. The aid cuts coincided with a rise in violations against children, including abductions, child labor, and forced marriages, as aid programs for education, healthcare, and protection were scaled back or closed.
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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