The Republic of Korea on Monday reaffirmed its support to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, for critical humanitarian assistance and protection for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, with a contribution of USD 5 million to strengthen disability inclusion and protection efforts, as well as provide essential gas for cooking.

“This generous contributionfrom 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.

Amid devastating cuts to life-saving aid, he said, they are most grateful for the steadfast support of the people and Government of Korea, which enables us to address critical needs and uphold refugees’ dignity and well-being in an increasingly uncertain time.

Eight years since their large-scale exodus from Myanmar in August 2017, over 1.16
million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and on Bhasan Char remain dependent
on humanitarian assistance to meet their daily needs.

Since early 2024, renewed violence and human rights abuses in Myanmar’s Rakhine state have forced an additional 150,000 refugees to flee.

"This year, the Republic of Korea’s humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh has remained steadfast. The total contribution of USD 10 million, along with a second donation of a substantial quantity of rice, underscores our firm and enduring commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts for the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh," said Park Young Sik, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh.

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

Continued provision of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will help ensure refugees retain
access to clean cooking fuel, supporting food security, nutrition, and health.

Since its introduction in 2018 as a safer alternative to firewood, LPG has lessened protection risks for women and girls, and allowed children more time to attend school.

It has significantly helped reduce environmental degradation and regreen areas in and around the camps.

Eight years into the Rohingya refugee crisis, Bangladesh is home to 1.16 million
Rohingya refugees, living in the densely populated camps of Cox’s Bazar and on the
island of Bhasan Char.