The United States and the United Kingdom have pledged a fresh $96 million in humanitarian assistance at the first-ever high-level UN conference on the Rohingya and other Myanmar minorities, as global leaders warned of dwindling resources and deepening despair.

The US announced $60 million and the UK $36 million, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam confirmed on Tuesday.

UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock set the tone with a stark depiction of suffering. “Houses burned. Neighbours killed. Hope vanishing,” she said, noting that five million Rohingya endure displacement, including 800,000 children out of school in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar camps. With the 2025 response plan only 12 per cent funded, Baerbock declared: “This should put us to shame.”

More than a million Rohingya now live as refugees in Bangladesh, while many others remain trapped inside Myanmar under “dire and unsustainable” conditions, according to UN officials.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a message delivered by his Chef de Cabinet, warned the crisis “trampled on the human rights, dignity and safety of millions and threatens regional stability.” He urged protection of civilians, humanitarian access and long-term investment in host communities.

For Rohingya activists, the gathering was a plea for justice rather than another appeal for awareness. Wai Wai Nu, founder of the Myanmar Women’s Peace Network, stressed that atrocities had worsened since 2017, citing killings, forced recruitment and sexual violence. “Without action, the Rohingya exodus will continue until there is no more Rohingya left in Myanmar,” she said.

Despite grim accounts, Baerbock pointed to resilience as a reason for hope. “The Rohingya people have survived eight years of hardship and uncertainty. Their resilience is extraordinary. Our response must match it.”