Japan, UNHCR sign $1.6m deal to boost Rohingya support in Bangladesh
The Japanese government has joined forces with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to improve conditions for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. A recent agreement between the two entities aims to enhance primary healthcare, upgrade living conditions, and promote self-sufficiency among refugees.
Japan’s financial contribution of $1.6 million (approximately JPY 250 million) will be utilized to build safer shelters in Cox’s Bazar refugee camps, provide essential medical supplies, and engage refugees in healthcare roles within their communities.
Additionally, the funding will support initiatives aimed at fostering self-reliance among Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, equipping them with skills that could contribute to their future reintegration in Myanmar when conditions allow.
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Saida Shinichi, the Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, stated, “This agreement and Japan’s contribution to UNHCR come at a crucial time when funding for the Rohingya refugee response is urgently needed. This project will empower refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char while also easing the burden on the local Bangladeshi communities.”
He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions for the crisis, emphasizing continued cooperation with international organizations like UNHCR.
UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, Sumbul Rizvi, expressed deep appreciation for Japan’s unwavering support, stating, “UNHCR is profoundly grateful to the Government and people of Japan for their ongoing solidarity and active support for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.”
Under the agreement, UNHCR will focus on constructing, maintaining, and repairing durable shelters to withstand harsh weather conditions. Furthermore, access to primary healthcare services will be expanded in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, addressing both communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as providing mental health and psychosocial support.
A key aspect of the initiative includes skill development programs, particularly for women, to enhance their ability to contribute to their communities. These efforts aim to prepare refugees for a stable and secure future, including a potential return to Myanmar when the situation permits.
Since the large-scale displacement of Rohingya refugees in August 2017, Japan has remained a dedicated supporter of humanitarian efforts in Bangladesh. Over the years, Japan has provided more than $243 million in assistance to UNHCR, other UN agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support the Rohingya refugee response.
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