EU to provide €14m grant to Rohingyas

The European Union (EU) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have renewed their partnership with a fresh €14 million development grant aimed at sustaining support for Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and strengthening resilience among host communities here.

The funding will benefit around 1.2 million Rohingya refugees and nearly 70,000 members of local host communities through a range of protection, skills development and livelihood initiatives, according to a UNHCR statement issued on Wednesday.

The grant complements existing EU humanitarian assistance and builds on an earlier multi-year development contribution from the bloc.

The programme will focus on enhancing self-reliance through vocational training, improved access to clean cooking fuel and other essential services for both refugees and host communities.

Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation in Bangladesh, said the EU remained committed to supporting Rohingya refugees and the communities hosting them.

“As needs remain protracted, we need to transform the response. With a focus on space for more education, skills development and to generate income, the €14 million the European Union is adding today will help Bangladeshi host communities in Cox’s Bazar and, for the Rohingya, it will expand options for education, lead to the learning of practical, portable skills and improve living conditions,” he said.

Miller added that the initiative was aimed at preserving dignity and strengthening resilience while preparing refugees for a voluntary, safe and dignified return to Myanmar when conditions permit.
UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Ivo Freijsen welcomed the renewed support, describing it as vital for refugees who have endured years of displacement and uncertainty.

“We are grateful to the European Union for standing with the Rohingya in Bangladesh, ensuring that refugees can access vital protection services, meet their basic needs, and maintain hope for a safer and more dignified future,” he said.

UNHCR noted that overcrowded camps, limited resources and prolonged displacement continue to leave refugees highly vulnerable.

The agency stressed the importance of maintaining comprehensive protection services, including safe shelters, adequate lighting, community-based protection mechanisms and accessible reporting channels.

Such measures are particularly important for women and children, who face heightened risks of gender-based violence, trafficking and exploitation.

The agency also highlighted the benefits of providing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), saying it reduces health risks associated with indoor smoke, protects women and children from dangers linked to collecting firewood and lessens pressure on surrounding forests.

According to UNHCR, expanding livelihood opportunities and skills training remains essential to reducing dependency on aid and helping refugees regain a sense of purpose and self-reliance.

The announcement comes ahead of World Refugee Day on 20 June, which honours the resilience of people forced to flee conflict and persecution while recognising the support of host communities.

UNHCR said continued international backing remains critical to ensuring access to essential services for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

The agency is working with the Government of Bangladesh, humanitarian partners and donors under the 2025-2026 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis.

The plan seeks $710 million this year to meet the most urgent needs of 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, including new arrivals, and to support their wellbeing until conditions allow for a voluntary, safe and rights-based return to Myanmar.