Japan and UNHCR sign USD 2.6 million aid for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar

Japan and UNHCR sign USD 2.6 million aid for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar

Md Babul Bangladesh representive
The Government of Japan on Thursday, 5 March 2026, renewed its commitment to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, pledging USD 2.6 million in aid for shelter items, basic healthcare and clean cooking sets.

The Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, Hon. Mr. Saida Shinichi, and the UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, Ivo Freizen, signed an exchange agreement.

Japan’s generous support has enabled the UN refugee agency UNHCR to maintain vital services in one of the world’s most densely populated refugee camps, where 1.18 million stateless Rohingya live in precarious conditions. Nine years after being forced to flee due to targeted persecution and conflict in Myanmar, Rohingya families still rely heavily on humanitarian assistance for safety, security and survival.

In densely populated camps exposed to seasonal rains, strong winds and drought, most Rohingya shelters are made of bamboo and tarpaulin and require regular emergency repairs. Japan’s commitment includes essential repair materials for around 3,300 families, as well as the training and engagement of 300 shelter volunteers from the Rohingya community. It is strengthening healthcare through primary health care centres and health posts and employing 162 refugees as community health workers. These vital livelihood opportunities enhance self-reliance and community ownership, and build hope.

“As the Rohingya enter their ninth year of displacement, the steadfast support of the Japanese people is deeply appreciated,” said Mr. Friesen. “The sharp reduction in global assistance threatens life-saving programs and risks reversing important gains. In partnership with the generous Bangladeshi host community, we must protect and improve the dignity and well-being of refugees until political engagement in the Myanmar context creates the conditions for safe and voluntary repatriation.”

Ambassador SAIDA expressed hope that the Japanese government’s assistance will lead to improved living conditions for Rohingya refugees.

“I am pleased to announce Japan’s supplementary funding to UNHCR for critical support to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. We are confident that this partnership with UNHCR will bring about real positive change and Japan is committed to a safer and more stable future for the Rohingya community,” said Ambassador SAIDA.

The grant also provides stove sets for 32,000 Rohingya families. Complementing UNHCR’s distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), these stove sets provide a clean cooking solution for refugees, eliminating the risks associated with collecting and using firewood. Women and girls face fewer security challenges and children spend more time in classrooms. LPG prevents environmental degradation, allowing the restoration of forested hills in the area.

UNHCR and its partners, working with the Government of Bangladesh, are preparing to launch the 2026 updated Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis. Japan is a leading partner in addressing the Rohingya crisis, having contributed more than US$260 million to UNHCR, other UN agencies and Bangladeshi NGOs since 2017. With humanitarian assistance declining globally, sustained and sustained support from donors like Japan is crucial until a durable solution is achieved.