HRW: Past Government Blocked Rohingya Education, Interim Must Act

“The previous government for years blocked education for Rohingya children because they were refugees,” says an HRW official, urging the interim government to reject old policies and support education without discrimination.

Arakan Now | 26 June 2025

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has warned that recent foreign aid cuts are worsening the education crisis for over 437,000 Rohingya children in refugee camps across Bangladesh. The group urged the interim government to break from past policies that restricted education based on refugee status and to support inclusive schooling.

On June 3, UNICEF suspended thousands of NGO-run learning centres due to funding shortages. These centres had enrolled about 304,000 children. Now, the only remaining schools are Rohingya-run community-led schools—unrecognized and unsupported by authorities—often charging fees many families cannot afford.

“Parents want to send their children to community schools, but when they can’t afford the fees and the learning centres are closed, they often send their kids to work,” HRW quoted one refugee as saying.

HRW reported that community-led schools often provide stronger education with subject-specific teachers, but the lack of accreditation undermines students’ futures. Without certificates, students risk having to restart their education if they return to Myanmar.

In 2024, the U.S. provided $300 million in aid for the Rohingya crisis, but by June 2025, that had dropped to just $12 million. By April, only $22 million of the $72 million needed for the education sector had been raised. HRW said this collapse in funding has forced school closures and left children vulnerable to trafficking, violence, and forced labour. In early 2025 alone, 51 child abductions were reported.

HRW called on the interim government to recognize community-led schools, lift restrictions on Rohingya education, and allow children to attend schools outside the camps. It also urged donors and aid agencies to include Rohingya educators in planning and decision-making.

“Bangladesh should follow the example of countries like Türkiye, which recognize and certify refugee-led schools,” HRW said. “The interim government and international donors must act now to prevent a lost generation.”

Photo : Dhaka Tribune