The Government of Japan has provided the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with $3.2 million in assistance for disaster risk reduction, construction and renovation of shelters, reducing protection threats and vulnerabilities, and gaining climate-resilient technical skills and business support for the Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar district and Bhasan Char.
An exchange of notes was signed in this regard by Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori and IOM Bangladesh’s chief of mission Lance Bonneau today (11 December).
The project will reach approximately 500,000 Rohingya refugees and people of host communities in Cox’s Bazar district and Bhasan Char in total, implementing a comprehensive plan to improve the living conditions among the Rohingya and host population in Cox’s Bazar in the sector of shelter/non-food items, site management and site development, protection and social cohesion.
During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Iwama 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 hopeful for this comprehensive plan to improve the living conditions for Rohingya refugees and host communities. These four 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 in the camps as well as host communities,” he said.
“Japan will continue to work towards sustainable solutions including the support of the repatriation of refugees to Myanmar and will cooperate with international organisations such as IOM.” added Ambassador Iwama.
In reply, Bonneau said he greatly appreciates the generous support of the Government of Japan, which will significantly enhance the living conditions of both the Rohingya refugees and the host communities in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.
“With this, we aim to improve the resilience and quality of life for nearly half a million individuals. We remain committed to working alongside Japan and other partners to ensure sustainable solutions and continue supporting the needs of both the Rohingya and their host communities in Bangladesh” said Bonneau.
Since the beginning of the emergency in August 2017, Japan has been a steady supporter of the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh, contributing over $220 million to IOM and other UN agencies as well as NGOs in Bangladesh, including through this new funding.
