European Union extends €14 million support for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh

The European Union and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, have renewed their partnership with a further €14 million development grant to sustain assistance for Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar and support host communities.

The funding will support protection and resilience-building activities for 1.2 million Rohingya refugees and nearly 70,000 members of the Bangladeshi host community, UNHCR said in a press release.

The grant complements EU humanitarian funding and an earlier multi-year development policy contribution from the EU.

It will support skills development initiatives, access to clean cooking gas and other essential services aimed at enhancing resilience and self-reliance among refugees and host communities.

"The European Union is committed to supporting Rohingya refugees and the communities hosting them in Bangladesh," said Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation in Bangladesh.

"As needs remain protracted, we need to transform the response. With a focus on space for more education, skills development and to generate income, the €14 million the European Union is adding today will help Bangladeshi host communities in Cox's Bazar and, for the Rohingya, it will expand options for education, lead to the learning of practical, portable skills and improve living conditions," he said.

"This is about preserving dignity, strengthening resilience and giving refugees the tools to rebuild their lives – preparing them for voluntary, safe and dignified return to Myanmar when conditions allow," he added.

Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, said reliable and steadfast support is fundamental to the wellbeing of families who have experienced immense hardship for the past nine years.

"We are grateful to the European Union for standing with the Rohingya in Bangladesh, ensuring that refugees can access vital protection services, meet their basic needs, and maintain hope for a safer and more dignified future," he said.

UNHCR said overcrowded living conditions, limited resources and prolonged displacement continue to leave refugees highly vulnerable.

Comprehensive protection services within the camps, including safe shelters, well-lit camp environments, community-based protection mechanisms and accessible reporting channels, are critical to safeguarding refugees' rights and dignity, it said.

This is particularly important for women and children, who face heightened risks of gender-based violence, trafficking and exploitation, UNHCR said.

The provision of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) helps protect women and children from risks associated with collecting firewood, reduces household smoke that harms refugee health and eases pressure on surrounding forests.

UNHCR said expanding livelihood opportunities and skills development is also crucial to reducing dependency on aid and helping refugees restore a sense of agency and purpose.

The contribution comes ahead of World Refugee Day, observed annually on 20 June.

UNHCR said the day is an opportunity to honour the resilience of people forced to flee their homes because of violence and persecution, reiterate support for those living in displacement and recognise the contribution of host communities.

The European Union is a key global supporter of humanitarian and development programmes, with a focus on resilience-building and sustainable solutions.

UNHCR said continued international support remains vital to ensuring access to essential services.

UNHCR works with the Government of Bangladesh, humanitarian partners and donors to strengthen refugee protection as part of the 2025–2026 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis.

The plan calls for $710 million this year to meet the most critical needs of 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, including new arrivals, and to ensure they can live in dignity until they can return home voluntarily, in safety and with full rights.