UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom Visits Rohingya Refugee Camps
Orlando Bloom, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, traveled to Bangladesh to witness firsthand the effects of severe cuts in official development assistance (ODA) on half a million Rohingya children living in Cox’s Bazar camps.
Impact of Funding Cuts on Children’s Futures
With ongoing global funding reductions, more than 300,000 children risk losing access to education in 2026. The cuts threaten vital services including education, health, protection, and survival within the world's largest refugee camps.
“The children in these camps are 100 per cent dependent on aid, but that aid is sadly shrinking,” said Bloom.
During his four-day visit, Bloom met children, families, and aid workers to understand the severity of the crisis.
“I met 14-year-old Aziz who told me he dreamed of becoming an engineer so that he could build a drone to show the world how much help Rohingya children need. These children need an education in order to have a future.”
School Closures and Ongoing Threats
In June 2025, UNICEF was compelled to close most schools temporarily in the refugee camps due to funding shortages, impacting almost 150,000 children. While classes have resumed after recent fundraising, the risk of an early 2026 funding gap could result in closing all schools again.
- 150,000 children affected by June 2025 school closures
- Potential loss of education access for over 300,000 children in 2026
- Education vital for the children’s future and survival
Summary
Orlando Bloom’s visit highlights the critical funding crisis threatening education and essential services for hundreds of thousands of Rohingya children, emphasizing the urgent need for sustained aid.