Korea Reaffirms $5m Aid to UNHCR for Rohingya Support

Korea Reaffirms $5m Aid to UNHCR for Rohingya Support

The Republic of Korea has reaffirmed its support to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) by contributing USD 5 million to provide critical humanitarian assistance and protection for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

The new funding aims to strengthen disability inclusion and protection efforts, while also ensuring the continued supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for safe and clean cooking in the refugee camps.

“This generous contribution from the Republic of Korea comes at a crucial time when the needs and vulnerabilities of Rohingya refugees continue to rise, especially for those with disabilities,” said Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh.

He added that amid severe cuts to life-saving aid, UNHCR deeply values the steadfast support of the Korean government and people, which helps address urgent needs and uphold refugees’ dignity and well-being.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh, Park Young Sik, said the country’s total humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees in 2024 has reached USD 10 million, along with a substantial donation of rice. “This underscores our firm and enduring commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh,” he said.

The contribution will support refugees with disabilities through early identification, rehabilitation, provision of assistive devices, mental health and psychosocial support, and the construction of accessible facilities such as bathing cubicles and latrines.

The continued provision of LPG will help ensure access to clean cooking fuel, promoting food security, health, and environmental protection. Since its introduction in 2018 as a safer alternative to firewood, LPG has reduced protection risks for women and girls, enabled children to attend school more regularly, and helped restore greenery around the camps.

Eight years since their mass displacement from Myanmar in 2017, more than 1.16 million Rohingya refugees remain in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, fully dependent on humanitarian aid to meet their basic needs. Renewed violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State since early 2024 has forced an additional 150,000 people to flee.