Japan, UNICEF Seal $3.3M Deal to Support Rohingya Children

The government of Japan has committed approximately $3.3 million (JPY 500 million) to bolster UNICEF’s efforts in addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees. This generous grant will assist an estimated 65,000 refugees, including 41,000 children, in Bangladesh, with essential services such as education, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) support in Cox's Bazar District and Bhasan Char.

The agreement was formalized through an exchange of notes between Japan's Ambassador to Bangladesh, Saida Shinichi, and UNICEF Bangladesh Representative, Rana Flowers, during a ceremony at the UNICEF office in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Ambassador Shinichi expressed his appreciation for UNICEF’s pivotal role in the Rohingya refugee camps, where the organization has been a leader in meeting critical needs across sectors such as health, education, nutrition, child protection, and WASH. "This contribution from Japan comes at a critical time, when fundraising for the Rohingya humanitarian response is more essential than ever. Japan is committed to working towards sustainable solutions to this crisis, and we will continue our cooperation with international organizations like UNICEF," he remarked.

Rana Flowers, UNICEF’s Bangladesh representative, highlighted the dire situation faced by Rohingya children. "Every day, these children struggle against tremendous challenges. They lack access to education, face cultural barriers, and are at constant risk of waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and inadequate healthcare in overcrowded facilities. Like any child, they deserve a chance to learn, stay healthy, feel safe, and thrive. We are deeply grateful to the government of Japan for its unwavering support, which will significantly expand critical services for these vulnerable children. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of every child, regardless of where they are."

Since the 2017 crisis, when hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled violence in Myanmar, Bangladesh has become home to one of the world’s largest refugee populations. Currently, approximately half a million Rohingya children are growing up in the world’s largest refugee camp—many of them born into a life of displacement. They rely entirely on humanitarian aid for basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and healthcare.

Japan has been a major supporter of the Rohingya humanitarian response, contributing around USD 240 million to UN agencies and NGOs in Bangladesh since the crisis began in August 2017. UNICEF, working alongside the government of Bangladesh and other partners, continues to provide essential services for every Rohingya refugee child, ensuring access to clean water, healthcare, education, nutrition, and protection.