Japan, IOM sign $2.6m deal to support Rohingya refugees
The Exchange of Notes was signed by Saida Shinichi, ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, and Giuseppe Loprete, chief of Mission (a.i.), IOM Bangladesh.
The government of Japan has signed an agreement with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), providing $2.6 million to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char.
The Exchange of Notes was signed by Saida Shinichi, ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, and Giuseppe Loprete, chief of Mission (a.i.), IOM Bangladesh, reads a press release.
The assistance will support a comprehensive programme addressing urgent humanitarian needs in refugee camps and surrounding host communities.
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The project is expected to benefit approximately 565,000 Rohingya refugees and members of host communities through integrated interventions, including shelter support, non-food items, LPG distribution, healthcare services, as well as site management and development in the camps.
Japan's contribution will also provide livelihood support for Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char, alongside Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives aimed at assisting displaced and disaster-prone host communities in Cox's Bazar district.
Ambassador SAIDA expressed hope that Japan's support would lead to tangible improvements in the living conditions of affected populations.
"Japan remains firmly committed to supporting the Rohingya refugees and the host communities in Bangladesh. Through our continued partnership with IOM, Japan hopes to help improve living conditions, strengthen resilience, and uphold human dignity in the face of this protracted humanitarian crisis," he said.
Highlighting the urgency of sustained assistance, Loprete said humanitarian needs remain acute in 2026.
"Supporting humanitarian operations in Cox´s Bazar has become increasingly urgent in 2026, as the needs of the refugee population continue to grow while long-term solutions are not yet available," he said.
Since the onset of the Rohingya emergency in August 2017, Japan has contributed more than $250 million to IOM and other UN agencies and non-governmental organisations supporting the humanitarian response in Bangladesh.
