Sweden gives $ 2.9m to assist Rohingyas in BD

The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR reiterated its deep gratitude to the government of Sweden for its solidarity and long-standing commitment to refugees.

Sustained international assistance from countries such as Sweden remain crucial to bolstering Bangladesh's Rohingya response, as it continues to host refugees until a durable solution is achieved, said the UNHCR.

On behalf of the UN agencies participating in SAFE+2 (Safe Access to Fuel  and Energy Plus, Phase 2), UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomed the  contribution of USD 2.9 million from the government of Sweden to support  lifesaving efforts and promote green energy solution for Rohingya refugees  in the Cox's Bazar camps.

With this latest contribution, Sweden's total support to the SAFE+2 initiative and its predecessor SAFE+ reaches USD 23.5 million, according to UNHCR.

SAFE+2 focuses on expanding access to clean cooking fuel, namely liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), as well as restoring degraded forest areas, and promoting green skills development among refugees and local communities.

The programme is jointly implemented by UNHCR, the Food and Agriculture  Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Organization for  Migration (IOM), and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in  close coordination with the Government of Bangladesh.

"Sweden's generous support comes at a crucial time, as needs remain high while funding continues to fall," said Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh.