South Korea pledges additional $500,000 for Rohingyas

The government of South Korea has pledged $500,000 more through the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) for the Rohingyas, who have fled persecution in Myanmar's Rakhine State and taken refuge in Bangladesh. Earlier, Korea donated $1.5 million through International Organization for Migration for conducting relief operations in support of the refugees in Bangladesh. At present, the total humanitarian aid provided by the Korean government to support the Rohingyas stands around $2 million (Tk16 crore), said a press release on Thursday. The Korean government has repeatedly expressed its profound concern about the Rohingyas seeking safe place across the border. The national and international humanitarian agencies have been responding in support of government efforts, however, instant scale-up is required to handle the relentless crisis. In addition, KOICA Bangladesh Alumni Association consisting of 2,000 members as well as the Korean Community in Bangladesh, voluntarily provided emergency relief to Rohingya refugees.