Cox’s Bazar | December 14, 2025
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has welcomed a USD 2.5 million contribution from the People’s Republic of China to support Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh, as humanitarian funding continues to decline and essential services face growing pressure.
According to UNHCR, the funding will provide liquefied petroleum gas for cooking to around 458,000 Rohingya refugees, covering approximately 94,000 households. The support is expected to continue until October 2026.
UNHCR said the contribution comes at a critical moment, with global humanitarian assistance shrinking and many life sustaining programmes at risk of disruption across refugee settings.
Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, thanked China for the support, saying the assistance will help Rohingya refugees live with greater safety and dignity. He said access to LPG goes beyond cooking needs, as it plays a key role in protecting women and children, improving health conditions, and reducing daily risks inside the camps.
China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, said China remains a committed development partner of Bangladesh and will continue supporting vulnerable communities. He said China will work closely with UNHCR and the Government of Bangladesh to ensure the project is implemented smoothly so refugees can benefit without delay.
Bangladesh has been hosting around 1.16 million Rohingya refugees for more than eight years, most of whom remain fully dependent on humanitarian assistance to meet basic daily needs.
UNHCR said the LPG programme has significantly reduced the need for firewood collection, improving safety and helping protect surrounding forests. Since LPG distribution began in the camps in 2018, refugees no longer need to leave the camps to collect firewood, lowering the risk of violence for women and girls and allowing children more time to attend school.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with the Government of Bangladesh and international partners. UNHCR stressed that sustained international support remains essential to meet the needs of Rohingya refugees and the communities hosting them.
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