Japan to continue funding for Rohingya, signs agreement with UNHCR

Japan's Ambassador to Bangladesh ITO Naoki has stressed on continuing funding for the Rohingyas for better and dignified lives of refugees along with efforts for the early repatriation of them to Myanmar.    

He made the comment while signing a partnership agreement on Wednesday with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) involving $3.5 million to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, a release said.

The fund will be used to maintain access to critical and life-sustaining services for refugees living in the Cox's Bazar camps and on Bhasan Char.

"As the Rohingya crises has turned into the sixth year, it is imperative to continue funding for better and dignified lives of refugees, while making every effort for the early repatriation to Myanmar," said the ambassador, adding: with the view that durable solutions of this crisis will be conducive to realising a free and open Indo-Pacific region, Japan will stand by the government of Bangladesh in supporting the Rohingya response.

As per the agreement, UNHCR will continue its humanitarian response in the camps in Cox's Bazar and on Bhasan Char, focusing on providing key services, such as legal and community-based protection, access to health, hygiene and sanitation, nutrition support and core relief items.

"Japan decided to provide assistance to this project, with the strong hope that it will improve the protection, healthcare and livelihood opportunities of the Rohingya population on Bhasan Char, and enhance their security in Cox's Bazar," said ITO Naoki.

The release said that the crisis is in a protracted situation, and Rohingya refugees' lives are still dependent on humanitarian assistance. The support from Japan comes at a crucial moment, as the Rohingya response is one of the underfunded refugee situations in the world.

Skills development and livelihoods activities will be strengthened to provide refugees with the capacities to support their communities and to help them prepare for a safe and sustainable return to Myanmar, once conditions are conducive, it added.

"UNHCR is grateful for the support from the Japanese government and its people towards Rohingya refugees, and their solidarity with the government and people of Bangladesh hosting them," said Johannes Van Der Klaauw, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, adding: Japan was the first to support the humanitarian response on Bhasan Char. Its contribution has allowed UNHCR to strengthen local NGO work on the island, including providing protection and access to essential services."