On Wednesday, The Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh has announced that, the country has donated $3.5 million to the UNHCR to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees and host country.
The statement highlighted that the UNHCR and the government of Japan had signed an agreement to use the donation to provide key services such as – health care and legal protection to Rohingya living in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar and Bashan Char in Bangladesh.
UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, Johannes Van Der Klaauw said that, “UNHCR is grateful for the support from the Japanese Government and its people towards Rohingya refugees, and their solidarity with the Government and people of Bangladesh hosting them.”
“Japan was the first to support the humanitarian response on Bhasan Char. Its contribution has allowed UNHCR to strengthen local NGO work on the island, including providing protection and access to essential services,” he added.
Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, Ito Naoki said, “Japan decided to provide assistance to this project, with the strong hope that it will improve the protection, healthcare and livelihood opportunities of the Rohingya population on Bhasan Char, and enhance their security in Cox’s Bazar. During my recent visit to Cox’s Bazar, I saw the dedicated and innovative work of UNHCR and its partners. As the Rohingya crisis has turned into the sixth year, it is imperative to continue funding for better and dignified lives of refugees, while making every effort for the early repatriation to Myanmar. With the view that durable solutions of this crisis will be conducive to realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific region, Japan will stand by the Government and the people of Bangladesh in supporting the Rohingya response.”
The Japanese Embassy also reports that, since the very beginning, Japan has been a constant supporter of the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh and contributed over $170 million to UNHCR, UN agencies and other NGOs in Bangladesh.
