by Hafizur Rahman
March 13, 2026
Australia has announced new financial assistance of AUD 16.5 million to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh, with the funding set to support humanitarian programs in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar from 2026 to 2028.
The support will be implemented through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to strengthen health services, protect women and girls from violence, and provide support programs for young people living in the camps.
More than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees currently live in densely populated camps in Cox’s Bazar. In addition, about 568,000 people from surrounding host communities also require humanitarian assistance.
Women and girls in the camps remain particularly vulnerable, facing risks such as gender based violence, child marriage, and limited access to health care services.
According to UNFPA, the new funding will support key services including maternal health care, midwifery services, family planning, counseling, and assistance for survivors of violence. The program will also continue operating women friendly spaces and youth centers that provide social and psychological support to Rohingya families.
UNFPA said that previous support from Australia helped reach around 340,000 Rohingya and host community women and girls over the past three years, including people living with disabilities. The assistance also contributed to reducing maternal deaths in the refugee camps.
Humanitarian organizations say the new funding will help maintain essential health and protection services and support the dignity and wellbeing of Rohingya women, girls, and families living in the camps.
