Japan, UNFPA ink $3.7 million Rohingya fund

Japan is all set to provide $3.7 million more through UNFPA for the assistance to Rohingyas residing in Bhasan Char and host communities in Noakhali district.

The contribution will be used for improving access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, protecting the dignity and safety of women and girls from gender-based violence (GBV) and empowering adolescents and youth, a press release issued by Japanese embassy said.

"As the Rohingya crisis has turned into the sixth year, it is imperative to continue funding for better and dignified lives of refugees, while making every effort for the early repatriation to Myanmar," said Japan Ambassador ITO Naoki while exchange of note with UNPEA representative Kristine Blokhus regarding the funding.

"Durable solutions of this crisis will be conducive to realizing the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific while Japan will stand by the Government and the people of Bangladesh in supporting the Rohingya response," said the Japanese envoy.

Since the beginning of the emergency in August 2017, Japan has been a steadfast supporter of the Rohingya response in Bangladesh, contributing over US $175 million to UNFPA and other UN agencies and NGOs in Bangladesh, including through this new funding, said the release.