The Government of Japan has provided the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with $2.6 million (equivalent to 400 million JPY) in assistance to support a comprehensive program aimed at improving the living conditions of Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar district and on Bhasan Char.
An Exchange of Notes was signed by Saida Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, and Giuseppe Loprete, Chief of Mission, IOM Bangladesh.
The project will benefit approximately 565,000 Rohingya refugees and members of host communities through integrated interventions addressing urgent needs for shelter and non-food items, LPG distribution, healthcare, as well as site management and site development in the refugee camps. Japan’s contribution will also provide livelihood support for refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. Disaster risk reduction initiatives will be implemented in support of displaced and disaster-prone host communities in Cox’s Bazar.
Saida Shinichi expressed hope that the support from the Government of Japan would lead to improved living conditions for both Rohingya refugees and host communities.
“Japan remains firmly committed to supporting the Rohingya refugees and the host communities in Bangladesh. Through our continued partnership with IOM, Japan hopes to help improve living conditions, strengthen resilience, and uphold human dignity in the face of this protracted humanitarian crisis,” said Saida.
“Supporting humanitarian operations in Cox’s Bazar has become increasingly urgent in 2026, as the needs of the refugee population continue to grow while long-term solutions are not yet available,” said Loprete.
“We are deeply grateful to the Government of Japan for its continued and generous support. This contribution will enable IOM and its partners to respond to critical life-saving needs, including shelter and health services, while also supporting livelihoods and strengthening resilience to climate-related disasters and other challenges faced by Rohingya refugees and host communities. In close coordination with the Government of Bangladesh and partners, IOM remains firmly committed to supporting affected populations.”
Since the beginning of the emergency in August 2017, Japan has been a consistent supporter of the Rohingya humanitarian response in Bangladesh, contributing over $250 million to IOM and other UN agencies and non-governmental organizations, including through this latest contribution.