Today the United Statesis contributing $45.5 million to the UN World Food Program in support of the Rohingyarefugee crisis. This is in addition to the $60 million announced at the 2019 UN Joint Response Plan (JRP) launch in Geneva on February 15.This brings the total U.S. contribution to the 2019 JRP to $105 million.
The United States is the leading contributor of humanitarian assistance in response to the Rohingyarefugee crisis. The U.S. has provided nearly $500 million since the outbreak of violence in August 2017. Approximately $450 million is dedicated to programs in Bangladesh for Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi host communities.
Today’s newU.S. contributionwill provide life-saving food assistance to Rohingya refugees to augment existing humanitarian interventionsincluding vouchers so refugees can buy food in local markets, monsoon and cyclone preparednessto protect lives, and nutritional support for vulnerable children and pregnant and lactating women.
This additional funding complements ongoing U.S. humanitarian assistance reachingmore than one million refugees in Bangladesh,Bangladeshi host communities,and people displaced within Myanmarand the region to provideprotection, emergency shelter, food, nutrition, water, sanitation, health care, psychosocial support, and learning opportunities.
U.S. funding targetsBangladeshi communities impacted by this crisis. In Cox’s Bazar, U.S. assistance helps improve the lives of Bangladeshisin these communities through programs expandingaccess to health care and better economic and education opportunities.
U.S. assistance also supports the efforts of humanitarian organizations and the Government of Bangladesh to improve preparedness, infrastructure, and shelter for monsoon and cyclone seasons.
The United States is committed to helping those affected by this crisis. We are deeply appreciative of the generosity of the government and people of Bangladesh for opening their border and hearts to a Rohingya community that has suffered greatly. We call on all nations with the means to contribute to this global humanitarian response.