Japan, IOM ink $3.5m deal as aid for Rohingyas, host communities in Cox’s Bazar, Bhasan Char

The government of Japan has provided the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with $3.5 million in assistance for a comprehensive plan to improve the living conditions of the Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char.

An "Exchange of Notes" was signed today (27 April) by Saida Shinichi, ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, and Lance Bonneau, chief of mission, IOM Bangladesh, said a press release.

The project will reach approximately 500,000 Rohingya refugees and  individuals from the host community in Cox's Bazar district and Bhasan Char, focused on interventions in site management and development, protection, shelter and non-food items, LPG distribution, and water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as livelihoods support for refugees in Bhasan Char and disaster risk reduction and protection services for host communities in Cox's Bazar. 

Ambassador Saida expressed his hope that the support from the government of Japan would improve the living conditions of both Rohingya refugees and host communities.

"I'm delighted to sign an Exchange of Notes today just after my first visit to Cox's Bazar camp. I'm hopeful this comprehensive plan will improve the living conditions for Rohingya refugees and host communities both in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char," he said. 

These five sectors are fundamental to improving the protection, quality of life, and resilience of both Rohingya refugees and host communities, and this project will reach many people both in the camps and host communities, the ambassador said.

Japan will continue to work towards sustainable solutions and will cooperate with international organisations such as IOM, said the ambassador.  

IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Lance Bonneau said, "In its eighth year, the spotlight on the ongoing Rohingya humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh has faded, though the needs remain immense. We are extremely grateful to the government of Japan for its ongoing support to refugees and the host community."

This contribution will enable IOM and partners to continue responding to the critical life-saving needs of the refugees by providing water and shelter and improving the lives of the refugees and their host communities by providing protection services, livelihood support, and strengthening their resilience to climate-related disasters and other challenges they face, Bonneau said.

"In close coordination with the government of Bangladesh and partners, we remain steadfast in our support to the Rohingya refugees and the host communities in Bangladesh," he said.

Since August 2017, Japan has contributed over $250 million to IOM and other UN agencies as well as NGOs in Bangladesh, including through this new funding, in the Rohingya refugee crisis response.