The Government of Japan has allocated approximately USD 1.6 million (JPY 250 million) to support United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)’s efforts aimed at establishing basic living conditions and health care services, as well as improving livelihoods among the Rohingya refugees and host community in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.
An Exchange of Notes was signed by H.E. Mr. SAIDA Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh and Ms. Sumbul Rizvi, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh. The contribution by Government of Japan through UNHCR this time will support refugees’ access to adequate housing, primary healthcare services and livelihood empowerment.
The Rohingya humanitarian crisis continues over the past eight years and remains one of the world’s largest protracted crises. Rohingya refugees rely entirely on humanitarian assistance for protection, food, water, shelter and health. With Bangladesh ranking third in the world among states most hit by natural disasters, Rohingya refugees are highly exposed to weather-related hazards, such as cyclones, flooding and landslides.
In line with the Joint Response Plan, the Japan-UNHCR joint project will support the Government of Bangladesh in alleviating the pressure on the Bangladeshi host community and in responding to the needs of Rohingya Refugees. The project will improve refugees’ well-being on Bhasan Char and in Cox’s Bazar through the construction of improved shelters, procurement of critical medical supplies, and by providing skills development and livelihood opportunities. It will be implemented over 12 months and is expected to serve Rohingya refugees and nearby host community.
During the signing ceremony at the UNHCR office in Dhaka, H.E. Mr. SAIDA Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh said, “This agreement and contribution from Japan to UNHCR comes at a critical time, when fundraising for the Rohingya refugee response is essential. This project will help empowering and improving refugees’ well-being on Bhasan Char and in Cox’s Bazar, while alleviating the pressure on the Bangladeshi host community. Japan will continue to work towards sustainable solutions for this humanitarian crisis and will keep cooperating with international organizations such as UNHCR.”
Ms. Sumbul Rizvi, Representative in Bangladesh stated “UNHCR is grateful for Japan’s support towards Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi people and Government hosting them. As Rohingya refugees remain dependent on humanitarian assistance, this solidarity and advocacy from the Japanese Government and its people are crucial to ensure that their plight is not forgotten”.
Since the onset of the emergency in August 2017, Japan has been a significant supporter of the response to the Rohingya humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh, contributing approximately USD 243 million to UN agencies and NGOs in the country. UNHCR, together with its partners, works to support the Government of Bangladesh to provide essential services and meet the protection needs of refugees, and extends its support to host communities.