Japan Provides $3.4 M to Support Rohingya Refugees and Vulnerable Communities in Bangladesh

The Government of Japan has pledged a new fund of $3.4 million to support Rohingya refugees and vulnerable local communities in Bangladesh. The aid will be implemented through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

The announcement was made on Monday (September 29) through a press release from the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka.

According to the statement, the funding will provide regular food and nutrition assistance to over 100,000 Rohingya refugees and nearly 2,000 at-risk Bangladeshi individuals. Families will receive e-vouchers to purchase essential food items, including rice, lentils, and fresh vegetables, from camp stores.

In addition, the funds will provide specialized nutritional support to young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women both inside and outside the camps, helping to prevent malnutrition and ensure access to essential healthcare.

Japan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Shinichi Saida, emphasized, “Japan remains committed to supporting Bangladesh and the international community in meeting the basic needs of Rohingya refugees and the most vulnerable members of host communities, especially women and children.

We are deeply concerned about the growing needs in the camps and the shortfall in humanitarian funding. Japan will continue to work with WFP and all partners to address this crisis and contribute to long-term solutions.”

Dom Scalpelli, WFP Country Director in Bangladesh, expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued support, saying, “This partnership and the generosity of the Japanese people are invaluable. We call on all partners to step up and help prevent further deterioration of humanitarian conditions in the Rohingya camps.”

Since August 2017, Japan has provided more than $240 million in aid to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.