Recently, we travelled to Cox's Bazar, where around one million Rohingya refugees live in 33 congested camps. Among them are hundreds of thousands of children—more than 50 percent of the population—whose lives have been confined to these camps. These children have no memory of their homeland and are growing up without the basic rights every child deserves: education, safety, freedom, and opportunities for a brighter future.

As we watched children play in narrow alleys among endless rows of makeshift shelters, it became painfully clear—they are at risk of becoming a lost generation. But it doesn't have to be this way. These children have the potential to shape a better world. With proper support, they can rise as leaders, innovators, and contributors to humanity. Humanitarian organisations are working tirelessly to provide education, health, and protection services to these children, but they need support of others.

The world must not close its eyes to their plight. Every child, regardless of where they are born, deserves a chance to dream, learn, and succeed. It is our collective responsibility to ensure these children have the opportunity to grow into empowered individuals, capable of shaping a better tomorrow.

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Born in displacement: The forgotten childhoods of Rohingya refugee kids

The situation for youth in the camps is equally dire. More than 30 percent of Rohingya refugees are young people, packed with untapped energy and potential. Yet, with no access to formal education, employment, or income-generating activities, they are left idle and vulnerable to negative coping mechanisms.

Their frustration mirrors that of the youth in host communities, who also face limited opportunities. During our visit, we heard both Rohingya and Bangladeshi youth express a common desire: "We want to work, run businesses, do jobs, and lead meaningful lives."

Investing in these young people is investing in peace and progress. With IRC Bangladesh's support hundreds of youths are running small businesses, promoting social cohesion. But more needs to be done. Solutions can be drawn by collaborating with young people to become agents of change rather than victims of circumstances.

Life in the camps is precarious. Refugees experience extreme weather conditions due to climate change, including heatwaves, cyclones, floods, and fires while women and girls disproportionately face gender-based violence (GBV). Alarming statistics from the Gender-Based Violence Information Management System reveal that nearly all GBV survivors in the camps are female, with physical assault and psychological abuse being the most reported incidents.

Adolescent girls face the threat of child marriage, while boys are forced into child labour. With a few alternatives, many take risky sea journeys in search of safety and a better life. The growing insecurity within the camps is a grave concern, voiced repeatedly by residents.

Despite these challenges, the government of Bangladesh has shown remarkable generosity in sheltering nearly one million refugees. Even with limited resources and its challenges, Bangladesh continues to offer refuge to those fleeing violence and persecution.

The global community owes an enormous debt of gratitude to Bangladesh and its people. But gratitude is not enough. Donors, diplomats, and global leaders must step up to support this humanitarian crisis.

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The international community has failed to protect the Rohingya

We urge the United Nations to convene a high-level conference to address this forgotten crisis, as proposed during the recent UN General Assembly. The world must commit to sustainable solutions that ensure dignity, opportunity, and safety for the Rohingya while alleviating the burden on Bangladesh.

This is not just about one community or one country; it is about humanity. These children and youth are looking to us with hope that they, too, can one day live with freedom, dignity, and purpose. Let us not disappoint them.

The time to act is now. Together, we can transform despair into opportunity and create a future that reflects the best of humanity.

Hasina Rahman is the country director of International Rescue Committee (IRC).

Adnan Junaid is the regional vice president of IRC for Asia.

Views expressed in this article are the author's own. 

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