Japan grants $3.5 million to support Rohingyas and host communities in Bangladesh

Japan has committed $3.5 million to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to help improve living conditions for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.

The funding agreement was formalized through an Exchange of Notes signed by Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, SAIDA Shinichi, and IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission, Lance Bonneau, according to a press release from the Japanese embassy.

The project aims to assist around 500,000 individuals from both the Rohingya and host communities, focusing on critical areas such as site management and development, protection services, shelter and non-food item distribution, LPG provision, and water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives.

Ambassador Saida expressed hope that Japan’s support would significantly enhance the quality of life, protection, and resilience of both the refugees and local populations. "These five sectors are vital for improving living conditions and building resilience," he said, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to pursuing sustainable solutions in collaboration with international partners like the IOM.

Highlighting the ongoing needs amid a declining international focus on the crisis, Lance Bonneau emphasized that the new funding will enable IOM and its partners to continue delivering essential services, including clean water, shelter, protection, livelihoods support, and disaster resilience initiatives.

Bonneau also noted that IOM remains committed to supporting the Rohingya and host communities in close partnership with the Government of Bangladesh and other stakeholders.

Since the onset of the crisis in August 2017, Japan has been a consistent contributor to the Rohingya response, providing over $250 million to IOM, other UN agencies, and NGOs in Bangladesh, including through this latest funding.