The Government of Japan and the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) have signed an agreement worth approximately US$2.9 million (391 million Japanese yen) to continue providing essential life-saving humanitarian assistance and protection to Rohingya refugees sheltered in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasanchar.
It was signed by UNHCR Bangladesh Representative Johannes von der Klaau and Honorable Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori at UNHCR’s office in Dhaka.
With this donation from Japan, UNHCR will be able to provide shelter to Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and distribute various daily necessities such as rugs, blankets and soap. Also, the houses of the refugees and various infrastructures like drains, bridges, walkways, stairs, hill slope retaining walls will be repaired and strengthened.
“The assistance from Japan comes at a critical time when Rohingya refugees are trying to rebuild their lives after several recent fires and cyclone Moka damaged parts of the camp,” said Johannes von der Klaau. “This grant will help us resettle victims and protect refugees from future disaster risks. Women and children are particularly vulnerable in the camps.”
Cox’s Bazar as well as Basan Char will receive support from some ongoing projects involving refugee participation in Japan’s grants, and some work will be done to improve refugee protection, such as accessibility of services for people with disabilities.
Japanese Ambassador Iwama Kiminori expressed hope that the Japanese government’s support would help improve the quality of life of both the Rohingya and the local people.
“We are delighted to donate $2.9 million to UNHCR. We hope that this support will strengthen refugee protection, including fire prevention through shelter construction and rehabilitation, and site maintenance and development. Japan will continue to work towards a sustainable solution, including support for the repatriation of refugees in Myanmar, and cooperate with international organizations such as UNHCR to improve the lives of refugees and local people.”
Japan has been a staunch supporter of humanitarian operations for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh since the beginning of the refugee crisis in August 2017. Through this new funding, Japan has so far donated more than USD 200 million to UNHCR and other UN agencies as well as NGOs working in Bangladesh.
The announcement of the agreement between UNHCR and Japan came shortly after the visit of UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner Kelly Clements to Bangladesh, who during her visit drew attention to the urgent humanitarian and livelihood needs of the refugees as well as the local population. Lack of funding has reduced life-saving supplies, including food, to refugees.
Humanitarian agencies have applied for $876 million in funding this year to help about 1.5 million people, including 930,000 Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and 30,000 Rohingya refugees in Bhasan Char, and 495,000 local Bangladeshis who shelter them. As of June 2023, the Joint Response Plan is about 28 percent funded. Stable and sustainable financing is needed to avoid a massive humanitarian disaster.
