South Korea reaffirms support to UNHCR with $5m for Rohingyas
South Korea yesterday (20 October) reaffirmed its support to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for humanitarian assistance and protection of Rohingyas in Bangladesh, announcing five million US dollars contribution for them, said a press release.
"This generous contribution from the Republic of Korea comes at a crucial time, when the needs and vulnerabilities of Rohingya continue to rise, especially for those with disabilities," said Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR representative in Bangladesh.
Amid devastating cuts to life-saving aid, he said, UNHCR is "most grateful for the steadfast support of the people and Government of Korea, which enables us to address critical needs and uphold refugees' dignity and well-being in an increasingly uncertain time."
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Eight years since their large-scale exodus from Myanmar, over 1.16 million Rohingya in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char remain dependent on humanitarian assistance to meet their daily needs.
Since early 2024, renewed violence and human rights abuses in Myanmar's Rakhine State have forced an additional 150,000 people to flee their homes.
"The total contribution of USD 10 million, along with a second donation of a substantial quantity of rice, underscores our firm and enduring commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts for the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh," said Korean ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young-sik.
According to UNHCR, the latest contribution from the South Korea will support refugees with disabilities through early identification, provision of rehabilitation and assistive devices, mental health and psychosocial support, and construction of accessible facilities such as bathing cubicles and latrines.
Continued provision of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will also help ensure that refugees retain access to clean cooking fuel, supporting food security, nutrition, and health.
Since its introduction in 2018 as a safer alternative to firewood, LPG has reduced protection risks for women and girls, enabled children to spend more time at school, and significantly helped reduce environmental degradation while regreening areas in and around the camps.
