Another $3.5 mln for Japanese funds for Rohingyas

As the long-impending Rohingya repatriation issue drags on, Japan has pledged $3.5 million to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to the refugees sheltered in Cox's Bazar and Bhashan Char.

The Japanese government and the UNHCR have struck an deal in this regard. The fund is meant for facilitating access to critical and life-sustaining services for the Rohingyas.

UNHCR, per the agreement, will continue its humanitarian response, focusing on providing key services, such as legal and community-based protection, access to health, hygiene and sanitation, nutrition support and core relief items.

"Japan decided to provide assistance to this project, with the strong hope that it will improve the protection, healthcare and livelihood opportunities of the Rohingya population on Bhasan Char, and enhance their security in Cox's Bazar," said Japan Ambassador to Bangladesh ITO Naoki in a statement on Wednesday.

He went on saying that "Japan will stand by the Government and the people of Bangladesh in supporting the Rohingya response."

UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Johannes Van Der Klaauw said Japan was the first to support the humanitarian response on Bhasan Char while the contribution has allowed UNHCR to strengthen local NGO work on the island, including providing protection and access to essential services."

Since the beginning of the emergency in August 2017, Japan has funded over $170 million for the Rohingyas.