Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – In the world’s largest refugee camp, Rohingya children continue to play in unsafe and overcrowded areas, lacking proper playgrounds or child-friendly spaces. For nearly eight years, these children have grown up in the camps, experiencing life without a secure and stable environment. With increasing risks of kidnapping, human trafficking, and deteriorating living conditions, their safety remains a major concern.
The refugee camps were never designed to be permanent settlements, yet hundreds of thousands of Rohingya continue to live there with no clear future. Children, in particular, face significant challenges. Without proper play areas, they are often seen playing in dangerous surroundings, running through narrow alleys, climbing unstable structures, or gathering in open fields where risks of accidents or abduction are high. Parents remain deeply worried as cases of child kidnapping continue to rise, making daily life more stressful for families already struggling to survive.
Community leaders and local organizations have long urged humanitarian agencies to establish proper playgrounds and safe zones for children, but little progress has been made. The lack of such spaces not only puts children at physical risk but also affects their mental well-being, as they have few opportunities to engage in safe recreational activities. Many children grow up in distress, having known nothing but hardship and uncertainty in their young lives.
Meanwhile, the situation has worsened following the newly elected U.S. government’s decision to cut humanitarian aid to the refugee camps. The funding halt has had an immediate impact, causing food shortages, reducing medical support, and limiting access to education and essential services. Many Rohingya refugees who rely on aid for survival are now struggling even more, fearing what the future holds. The cut in funding comes at a time when the camps are already facing a rise in security threats, including human trafficking networks that prey on vulnerable individuals.
Rohingya refugees continue to appeal to the international community for a sustainable solution to their plight. They urge world leaders, humanitarian organizations, and the United Nations to take stronger action to ensure their safety, provide necessary support, and work toward a dignified future. Many still hope to return to Myanmar, but only if their rights, security, and citizenship are guaranteed.
While their future remains uncertain, the struggles of the Rohingya people continue to grow. The international community must act before conditions deteriorate further, leaving thousands, including innocent children, at greater risk. The voices of these young refugees must be heard, and urgent action is needed to ensure their safety and well-being.
