Staff Reporter :
Japan has pledged $3.5 million to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to improve living conditions for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar district and on Bhasan Char Island.
An Exchange of Notes was signed on Sunday between the Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, SAIDA Shinichi, and IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission, Lance Bonneau, according to a press release issued by the Japanese Embassy.
The funding is expected to assist approximately 500,000 individuals through critical interventions in site management and development, protection, shelter and non-food item distribution, the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.
Ambassador Saida reiterated Japan’s commitment to improving the quality of life and resilience of both the Rohingya refugees and their host communities.
“These five sectors are fundamental to enhancing protection, quality of life, and resilience,” he said, adding that Japan would continue to collaborate with international organisations such as the IOM to pursue sustainable solutions.
IOM Chief of Mission Lance Bonneau highlighted that despite the
Rohingya humanitarian crisis entering its eighth year, urgent needs persist, even as international attention has diminished.
“This contribution will enable IOM and its partners to continue addressing critical, life-saving needs – such as the provision of water, shelter, protection services, and livelihoods support – while also strengthening resilience against climate-related disasters,” Bonneau stated.
Since the onset of the Rohingya emergency in August 2017, Japan has contributed over $250 million to IOM, various UN agencies, and non-governmental organisations operating in Bangladesh. This latest funding reaffirms Japan’s long-standing commitment to supporting one of the world’s most vulnerable refugee populations.
The IOM affirmed its ongoing collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh and humanitarian partners to aid both the Rohingya and host communities amid continuing challenges.
