Continued global assistance key to bolstering Bangladesh’s Rohingya response: UNHCR

Sustained international assistance from countries such as Sweden remain crucial to bolstering Bangladesh's Rohingya response, as it continues to host refugees until a durable solution is achieved, said the UN Refugee Agency.

On behalf of UN partners, UNHCR reiterated its deep gratitude to the government of Sweden for its solidarity and long-standing commitment to refugees.

On behalf of the UN agencies participating in SAFE+2 (Safe Access to Fuel and Energy Plus, Phase 2), UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomed the contribution of USD 2.9 million from the government of Sweden to support lifesaving achievements and promote green energy solutions for Rohingya refugees in the Cox's Bazar camps.

With this latest contribution, Sweden's total support to the SAFE+2 initiative and its predecessor SAFE+ reaches USD 23.5million, according to UNHCR.

SAFE+2 focuses on expanding access to clean cooking fuel, namely liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), as well as restoring degraded forest areas and promoting green skills development among refugees and local communities.

The programme is jointly implemented by UNHCR, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in close coordination with the Government of Bangladesh.

"Sweden's generous support comes at a crucial time, as needs remain high while funding continues to fall," said Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh.

"Eight years into the Rohingya refugee crisis, 1.17 million Rohingya still rely on humanitarian assistance to survive. Rohingya families often tell me how essential LPG is to their daily lives — how women and girls are safer as they no longer need to fetch firewood. This contribution helps sustain and protect them until conditions are in place for a voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar."

Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, Nicolas Weeks, said global humanitarian funds are shrinking, so we must focus on those in greatest need and prioritise saving lives, while upholding achievements made over the past few years.

This contribution allows refugees to continue cooking with cleaner fuel, preserving the forest and their health, the envoy said.

"Until they can return to Myanmar in a voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable way, I am proud that Sweden stands in solidarity with Rohingya refugees and their Bangladeshi hosts, promoting human dignity and environmental stewardship, said the Ambassador.