Japan pledges USD 2.6m to support Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar

The government of Japan has pledged USD 2.6 million to assist Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, funding shelter repairs, primary healthcare and clean cooking solutions in Cox’s Bazar, one of the world’s most densely populated refugee settlements.

The commitment was formalised on Thursday through an exchange of notes between Saida Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh and Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh.

Japan’s contribution will enable the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to maintain essential services for approximately 1.18 million Rohingya refugees who have lived in precarious conditions since fleeing targeted persecution and conflict in Myanmar nine years ago.

The funding covers repair materials for around 3,300 households, as well as training and engagement of 300 shelter volunteers from the Rohingya community. In addition, the grant supports health services through primary healthcare centres and posts and the engagement of 162 refugees as community health workers.

To improve daily living conditions, the grant also provides stove sets for 32,000 households. Complementing UNHCR’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution, the stoves provide cleaner cooking solutions, reducing firewood collection risks, environmental damage and safety concerns, particularly for women and children.

Freijsen highlighted the importance of continued support: “Steep reductions in global aid threaten lifesaving programmes and risk reversing critical achievements. In partnership with generous Bangladeshi host communities, we must safeguard and improve refugees’ dignity and well-being until political engagement in Myanmar enables conditions for safe and voluntary return.”

Ambassador Saida expressed hope that Japan’s support will improve living conditions and bring tangible positive change for the Rohingya community. “Japan remains committed to supporting a more secure and stable future for the Rohingya refugees,” he said.

Since 2017, Japan has contributed over USD 260 million to UNHCR, other UN agencies, and Bangladeshi NGOs to support Rohingya refugees. 

The latest pledge underscores Japan’s role as a key partner in sustaining humanitarian assistance amid shrinking global aid.

UNHCR and its partners, in collaboration with the government of Bangladesh, are preparing to launch the 2026 updated Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, ensuring continued protection and essential services for the displaced population.

SH