Staff Reporter:
Japan on Thursday renewed its commitment to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, pledging $2.6 million for shelter materials, primary healthcare, and clean cooking sets.
An Exchange of Notes was signed by Japanese Ambassador in Dhaka Saida Shinichi and UNHCR Representative Ivo Freijsen.
Japan’s generous support enables UNHCR – the UN refugee agency – to maintain critical services in one of the world’s most densely populated refugee camps, where 1.18 million stateless Rohingyas reside in precarious conditions. Nine years since being forced to flee targeted persecution and conflict in Myanmar, Rohingya families still depend heavily on humanitarian assistance for safety, protection and survival.
In congested camps seasonally exposed to torrential rain, strong winds and drought, most Rohingya shelters are built of bamboo and tarpaulin, and regularly require urgent repairs. Japan’s commitment covers essential repair materials for some 3,300 households, as well as the training and engagement of 300 shelter volunteers from the Rohingya community. It also strengthens health services through primary healthcare centres and health posts and engaging 162 refugees as community health workers. These crucial livelihoods opportunities promote self-reliance and community ownership, and create hope.
“The people of Japan’s steady support is deeply appreciated as the Rohingya enter their ninth year of displacement,” said Freijsen. “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 the context of Myanmar enables conditions for safe and voluntary return.”
Ambassador Saida expressed his hope that the support from the Government of Japan will lead to improved living conditions for Rohingya refugees.
“I am delighted to announce Japan’s supplementary fund to UNHCR for critical assistance to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.. We are confident this partnership with UNHCR will bring tangible positive change, and Japan remains committed to supporting a more secure and stable future for the Rohingya community,” said Ambassador Saida.
The grant also provides stove sets for 32,000 Rohingya households. Complementing UNHCR’s liquified petroleum gas (LPG) distribution, these stove sets offer refugees cleaner cooking solutions, eliminating risks linked to firewood collection and use. Women and girls face fewer protection challenges, and children spend more time in classrooms. LPG also prevents environmental degradation, allowing restoration of the area’s forested hills.
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 has been a leading partner in the Rohingya response, contributing over $260 million to UNHCR and other UN agencies as well as Bangladeshi NGOs since 2017. As humanitarian support continues to shrink globally, sustained and steadfast assistance of donors such as Japan is crucial until a durable solution can be achieved.
