Australia commits AUD25.25m to support Rohingya refugees, host communities in Bangladesh
The funding will enable UNHCR and its partners to continue providing essential services in the Rohingya camps.
Australia has committed AUD25.25 million in multi-year humanitarian funding to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh, helping sustain life-saving assistance and protection services amid growing global funding pressures.
The announcement was made today (3 August) in the presence of Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Australian Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill, according to a press release.
The flexible, multi-year funding, part of Australia's 2026-28 humanitarian assistance package, comes at a crucial time when global humanitarian funding faces increasing uncertainty and pressure.
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The funding will enable UNHCR and its partners to continue providing essential services in the Rohingya camps, including protection activities, skills development programmes and disaster risk reduction measures.
"Australia continues to respond to the most significant humanitarian crises in our region, making our region safer, more stable and resilient," Hill said.
He said Australia remained committed to supporting the humanitarian needs of Rohingya people in both Myanmar and Bangladesh, adding that conditions in Myanmar must allow for their voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return by addressing the root causes of the crisis.
UNHCR's Murekeyisoni warned that the Rohingya crisis risks fading from global attention nearly nine years after the mass displacement began.
"Australia's continued support sends a strong message that the Rohingya people have not been forgotten," she said, adding that refugees continue to express hope of returning home safely with their rights and dignity restored.
Australian High Commissioner Susan Ryle said the latest contribution would help provide critical services to the most vulnerable, particularly women, girls and people with disabilities.
Around 1.2 million Rohingya refugees remain in Bangladesh, most living in overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar after fleeing violence in Myanmar in 2017. The vast majority remain dependent on humanitarian assistance to meet their daily needs.
According to the press release, funding shortages have deepened vulnerabilities, while nearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported missing or died in 2025 while attempting dangerous sea crossings in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
The statement also noted that around 150,000 new arrivals have entered the camps since 2024, many of whom still lack adequate shelter and access to basic services, including clean cooking fuel.
Australia said sustained international support remains essential until durable solutions are found, ensuring Rohingya refugees can continue to access protection, humanitarian assistance and opportunities while awaiting conditions for a safe return to Myanmar.
