Japan, Unicef sign $3.3m deal to strengthen assistance for Rohingya children

The government of Japan has allocated approximately $3.3 million (JPY 500 million) to support Unicef's response to the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees.

Through this grant, 65,000 Rohingya refugees, 41,000 of them children, will reach Bangladesh, providing them access to education, WASH, health and nutrition support in Cox's Bazar District and Bhasan Char, said the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka today (4 March).

An exchange of notes was signed by Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi and Unicef Representative to Bangladesh Rana Flowers.

During the signing ceremony at the Unicef office in Dhaka, Ambassador Saida commended the effort by Unicef who has been at the forefront in the Rohingya camps to meet the needs for every child in such key sectors as health, education, nutrition, protection and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

"This contribution from Japan to Unicef comes at a critical time, when fundraising for the Rohingya humanitarian response is essential. Japan will continue to work towards sustainable solutions for this humanitarian crisis and will keep cooperating with international organisations, including Unicef," he said.

Rana Flowers said every day Rohingya children struggle against overwhelming odds and they have limited access to education, face cultural barriers and are in constant threat of waterborne diseases, malnutrition and inadequate healthcare at overcrowded facilities.

"Like any other children, they deserve an opportunity to learn, be healthy, feel safe and thrive, now more than ever. We are thankful for the unwavering support from the Government of Japan in expanding critical services for these vulnerable children. This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of every child, no matter where they are."

Over seven years ago, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled attacks and violence in Myanmar, joining refugees already in Bangladesh from previous waves of displacement.

Currently, about half a million Rohingya refugee children are growing up in the world's largest refugee camp. Many of them have been born there as refugees. The Rohingya rely entirely on humanitarian assistance for protection, food, water, shelter and health.

Since the onset of the emergency in August 2017, Japan has been a significant supporter of the response to the Rohingya humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh, contributing approximately $240 million to UN agencies and NGOs in the country, said the embassy.

Unicef, working with the government of Bangladesh and partners, has been on the ground in the refugee camps in Bangladesh from day one, and is still there for every Rohingya refugee child who needs clean water, health care, protection, nutritious food and education.