Japan, UNHCR Sign $2.6 Million Aid Agreement for Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh

Japan and the United Nations refugee agency have signed a $2.6 million assistance agreement to support Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh.

According to a statement issued Thursday by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the government of Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh by announcing the funding for shelter materials, primary healthcare services, and clean cooking stoves.

The agreement was signed by Japan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Saida Shinichi, and the UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, Ivo Freijsen.

With Japan’s support, UNHCR will continue providing emergency services in one of the world’s most densely populated refugee settlements, where more than 1.18 million stateless Rohingya refugees live in uncertain conditions.

Nearly nine years after being displaced due to targeted persecution and conflict in Myanmar, Rohingya families remain heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance for safety, protection, and survival.

The overcrowded camps are highly vulnerable to seasonal heavy rains, strong winds, and drought. Most Rohingya shelters are built with bamboo and tarpaulin and require frequent repairs. Through this assistance, repair materials will be provided to about 3,300 families, while 300 shelter volunteers from the Rohingya community will receive training and be engaged in shelter maintenance.

In addition, primary healthcare services will be strengthened through health centers and health posts, and 162 refugees will be engaged as community health workers.

Such livelihood-based opportunities help strengthen self-reliance and community ownership while fostering hope among refugees.

UNHCR Representative Freijsen said that as the Rohingya displacement crisis approaches its ninth year, the continued support of the Japanese people is truly commendable. He warned that major global aid cuts are threatening life-saving programs and could reverse critical progress made so far.

He emphasized the importance of working in partnership with Bangladesh’s generous host communities to protect the dignity and well-being of refugees until political progress in Myanmar creates conditions for safe and voluntary repatriation.

Ambassador Shinichi expressed hope that Japan’s assistance will play an important role in improving the living conditions of Rohingya refugees.

“I am pleased to announce additional funding to UNHCR for urgent assistance to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh,” he said.

He added that Japan believes this partnership with UNHCR will bring real and positive change and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to building a safer and more stable future for the Rohingya community.

The funding will also support the distribution of clean cooking stove sets to around 32,000 Rohingya families.