The Republic of Korea has provided the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with USD 5 million to improve the living conditions for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar.
This generous contribution from Korea will provide critical assistance to more than 420,000 Rohingya refugees who continue to live in highly congested camps eight years into the crisis, according to an IOM media release issued on Tuesday.
The funding will enable IOM to deliver life-saving water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services across seven camps and ensure sustained access to clean cooking fuel for refugees through the regular distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to 41,500 refugee families in 17 camps.
Support from Korea to IOM will improve the reliability and safety of water and sanitation facilities in the camps, enhance hygiene promotion, and ensure that vulnerable groups including women, girls, the elderly and persons with disabilities have access to safe, dignified and inclusive WASH services, the release reads.
The project will also address the cooking fuel needs of Rohingya households. The distribution of LPG is a vital element of support for Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar providing clean cooking fuel that contributes to food security and nutrition, reduces deforestation, lowers health risks, and strengthens protection for vulnerable groups, including women and girls who face gender-based violence when collecting firewood.
Park Young-sik, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh, said: “This year, Korea has continued to stand firmly in its humanitarian support for the Rohingya in Bangladesh.”
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“Our assistance — including USD 10 million in funding as well as an additional large shipment of rice — reflects Korea’s unwavering dedication to supporting those affected and addressing their needs. In addition, Korea remains committed to collaborating with international partners and local stakeholders to aid both Rohingya refugees and host communities, while also promoting sustainable solutions for the future,” he said.
Appreciating Korea's continued solidarity with Rohingya refugees and their host communities, IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Lance Bonneau said: “This contribution directly supports the safety, dignity and resilience of communities reliant on humanitarian aid for their daily needs.”
“The Republic of Korea has been a long-standing partner in the Rohingya response, supporting protection, health, and other essential services. This latest commitment reflects its continued engagement in promoting humanitarian well-being and stability in Cox’s Bazar,” Bonneau said.
Since the beginning of the emergency in August 2017, Korea has been a steady supporter of the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh.