EU provides €14m support for Rohingya response

The European Union (EU) has provided an additional €14 million in support to continue emergency assistance and protection programmes for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and to assist the local host communities.

The funding comes under a renewed partnership between the EU and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which aims to support around 1.2 million Rohingya refugees and nearly 70,000 Bangladeshis in host communities.

UNHCR said the new assistance will help expand skills development programmes and increase access to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a cleaner cooking fuel for refugees and affected communities.

EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller said the EU remains committed to supporting both Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh.

He said that given the prolonged nature of the crisis, support should go beyond emergency aid and focus on education, skills development and livelihood opportunities.

The assistance will help refugees gain education and skills needed for a more dignified life and prepare them for a voluntary, safe and dignified return to Myanmar in the future, he added.

UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Ivo Freijsen said continued support is crucial for Rohingya families who have been living in difficult conditions for nearly nine years.

He said the EU’s contribution will help ensure protection, meet basic needs and maintain hope for a safer future among displaced communities.

UNHCR officials said Rohingya refugees remain vulnerable due to overcrowded camps, limited resources and prolonged displacement. Ensuring safe shelter, lighting, community-based protection and accessible complaint mechanisms remains a priority.

The announcement came ahead of World Refugee Day on June 20, which highlights global solidarity with people displaced by conflict and violence.

UNHCR is working with the Bangladesh government, humanitarian organisations and development partners to implement the 2025-26 Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya crisis. The plan requires around $710 million in funding this year.

TZ