The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced a revision to its General Food Assistance programme for Rohingya refugees residing in camps in Cox’s Bazar and on Bhasan Char. The updated system will take effect from 1 April 2026, introducing adjustments to monthly food assistance based on household-level food insecurity assessments.
Assistance to Continue, But Amounts to Vary
WFP confirmed that food assistance will continue for all registered Rohingya families. However, under the revised approach, not every household will receive the same level of support. Instead, assistance amounts will be determined according to the degree of food insecurity experienced by each family.
Previously, most households received similar levels of monthly aid. The new model shifts toward a differentiated system that allocates resources according to need.
What Food Insecurity Means
Food security refers to consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food necessary for maintaining a healthy and active life. Although the entire Rohingya refugee population remains vulnerable, conditions vary among households.
Families considered more food insecure often include those with:
- Large numbers of children
- Elderly dependents
- Persons with disabilities
- No income-generating opportunities
- Limited support networks
Such households may face greater difficulty in meeting daily food requirements.
Vulnerability-Based Targeting
Under the revised system, families identified as highly food insecure will receive increased levels of assistance. Households assessed as comparatively better off will receive lower allocations, though no family will be excluded from support.
WFP stated that the objective is to ensure all households can meet minimum food consumption standards. While assistance amounts will differ, the overall aim is to bring families to a comparable baseline of food security.
This approach, known as vulnerability-based targeting, is commonly applied in protracted humanitarian crises. It prioritizes the most at-risk populations and seeks to prevent further deterioration of food security across affected communities.
Implementation Timeline
- Effective Date: 1 April 2026
- Coverage Areas: Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char
- Method: Household food insecurity assessments
The agency indicated that communication efforts will continue within the camps to explain the assessment process and revised assistance structure before implementation.
The Rohingya refugee response remains one of the largest ongoing humanitarian operations globally. Funding constraints continue to shape operational decisions, with agencies seeking more efficient allocation mechanisms to sustain essential services.
