UNHCR Denies Food Aid to Rohingya Refugees Refusing Biometrics in Bangladesh

UNHCR Denies Food Aid to Rohingya Refugees Refusing Biometrics in Bangladesh
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Approximately 400 Rohingya families in Bangladesh’s refugee camps have been excluded from food and aid after refusing to submit biometric data during a UNHCR registration update, The Diplomat reported. Refugees fear the new biometric system will invalidate their existing UN documents and erase their ethnic identity, as the new smart cards omit the term “Rohingya.” They also express concern over the lack of informed consent and potential data sharing with Myanmar and Bangladeshi authorities.

UNHCR states the biometric update improves data accuracy but has not addressed why aid is withheld from those who refuse. Humanitarian experts argue that denying assistance violates UNHCR’s own policies, which require aid to be given impartially and without coercion. Refugees report children going hungry and elderly dying due to aid cuts.

The biometric program, strongly tied to Bangladeshi government demands, has transformed UNHCR’s role from protector to administrator under political pressures. Refugees call for restoration of their identity on documents, transparent data policies, and an independent review of the registration process.