The European Union has announced additional humanitarian assistance of 14 million euros for nearly 1.2 million Rohingyas living in Cox’s Bazar and host communities.
The support aims to strengthen emergency assistance, protection services, skills development and expand access to clean cooking fuel such as LPG.
The announcement was made on Thursday in a joint statement by the EU and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The funding will also benefit around 70,000 members of local host communities in Bangladesh.
EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller said the European Union remains committed to supporting both Rohingyas and host communities in Bangladesh.
“This crisis has continued for a long time. Alongside emergency assistance, we now need to focus on education, skills development and income opportunities,” he said.
He added that the 14 million euro support will help improve living conditions in Cox’s Bazar, expand learning and skills training opportunities for Rohingyas, and support better livelihoods.
“Our aim is to preserve dignity, build capacity and prepare them for safe, voluntary and dignified return to Myanmar when conditions allow,” he said.
UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Ivo Freijsen said continued support remains vital for Rohingya families who have endured severe hardship for nearly nine years.
“We are grateful to the European Union for standing with the Rohingya people,” he said.
He added that the assistance will help ensure access to essential protection services, meet basic needs and maintain hope for a safe and dignified future.
The EU and UNHCR said Rohingyas face multiple risks due to overcrowded camps, limited resources and prolonged displacement. Women and children are especially vulnerable to gender-based violence, trafficking and exploitation.
They stressed the need for safe shelter, adequate lighting, community-based protection systems and effective complaint mechanisms.
The use of LPG, they noted, reduces the need for women and children to collect firewood, improving safety while reducing health risks and pressure on forests.
20 June will be observed as World Refugee Day, with the EU and UNHCR calling for solidarity with displaced people and recognition of the contributions of host communities.
UNHCR said the 2025–2026 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya crisis requires 7.1 billion US dollars to meet urgent needs of around 1.2 million people, including new arrivals, and to support efforts toward safe, voluntary and dignified return.
