The European Union (EU) has announced an additional €14 million in funding to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and the local communities hosting them.
The funding, announced jointly by the EU and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Thursday, will help sustain life-saving assistance and protection services for around 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar. It will also support nearly 70,000 members of the Bangladeshi host community through livelihood and skills development programs.
According to the EU and UNHCR, the grant will improve access to education, provide practical skills training, and expand the use of clean cooking fuel such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), helping strengthen refugees’ resilience and reduce their dependence on humanitarian assistance.
“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.
He said the funding would expand education opportunities, skills development, and income-generating activities while improving living conditions for refugees and host communities. “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.
UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Ivo Freijsen welcomed the renewed support, saying sustained international assistance remains critical for families who have endured years of hardship.
“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.
The agencies said overcrowded camps, limited resources, and prolonged displacement continue to pose major challenges. Women and children remain particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence, trafficking, and exploitation, making protection services, safe shelters, and community support systems essential.
The expansion of LPG distribution is expected to reduce firewood collection, lower safety risks, improve household health, and ease pressure on nearby forests.
The announcement comes ahead of World Refugee Day on June 20. UNHCR is working with the Government of Bangladesh, humanitarian organizations, and donors under the 2025–2026 Joint Response Plan, which seeks $710 million to address urgent humanitarian needs and support Rohingya refugees until conditions allow their safe and voluntary return to Myanmar.
