The Netherlands has decided to provide $7.5 million through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for the welfare of forcibly displaced Rohingyas and their host community in Cox’s Bazar district.
In this regard, an agreement was signed between the Embassy of the Netherlands in Dhaka and the IOM to implement a project titled ‘Restoring the environment and strengthening the resilience of Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar’.
A press release said the project aims to provide multi-sectoral aid support for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar.
Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands for Bangladesh, Affairs Thijs Woudstra and Officer in Charge of IOM Bangladesh, Fatima Nusrat Ghazali, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides at the IOM office here.
Cox’s Bazar district, which has hosted more than one million Rohingya refugees since 2017, is prone to the effects of natural disasters and climate change, with Rohingya and host communities vulnerable to landslides and flooding, especially during cyclones.
“The Rohingya live in overcrowded camps with limited opportunities and complex challenges. Host communities also face issues that increase their vulnerability, including strained resources, limited market access, limited employment opportunities, inadequate infrastructure and repeated environmental shocks.”
He added that with support from the Netherlands, IOM will provide life-saving assistance to the Rohingya and host communities, contributing to better social harmony and security.
Voudstra expressed hope that his government’s support would help improve living conditions and reduce disaster risks for both the Rohingya and Bangladeshi communities.
The project will be implemented in coordination with the Government of Bangladesh and other stakeholders.