UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom Visits Rohingya Refugee Camps
Orlando Bloom traveled to Bangladesh to witness firsthand the consequences of drastic cuts to official development assistance (ODA) affecting half a million children living in the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar.
Impact of Funding Cuts on Children’s Futures
More than 300,000 children face the risk of losing access to education in 2026 due to expected further reductions in global funding.
During his four-day visit, Bloom engaged with children, families, and aid workers to gauge the severity of the funding crisis threatening the education, health, protection, and survival of children in 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.
“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 Due to Funding Shortages
In June 2025, UNICEF temporarily closed most schools in the camps, impacting nearly 150,000 children. Although schools have recently reopened due to fundraising efforts, the looming threat of a funding shortfall early in 2026 could shut them down again, denying education to over 300,000 children.
Summary
Orlando Bloom’s visit highlights the urgent need for sustained funding to protect Rohingya children's access to education amidst severe financial challenges.
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