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Japan and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Tuesday signed an exchange of notes for the assistance to Rohingya refugees in Bhasan Char and host communities in the Noakhali district.
The contribution of $3.7 million will be used for improving access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services, protecting the dignity and safety of women and girls from Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and empowering adolescents and youth, said the Embassy of Japan, reports Daily Sun.
“With the generous support of the Government of Japan, UNFPA can work with the Government of Bangladesh to scale up lifesaving SRH, and GBV services and strengthen linkages between key health facilities in the Noakhali district. UNFPA wishes to thank the Government of Japan for the confidence expressed and most notably their encouraging engagement to improve health and protection outcomes for women and girls and across Noakhali district and Bhasan Char,” said Kristine Blokhus, UNFPA Representative.
Marking the occasion, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki said, “I am delighted that Japan can provide additional assistance to Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, and the host communities through UNFPA. While many women and girls are suffering from reproductive health problems and GBV due to the protracted Rohingya crisis, assistance to those areas has been relatively scarce. I hope that this assistance will contribute to the protection of women and girls, their dignity, and the improvement of their quality of life.”
“As the Rohingya crisis has turned into the sixth year, it is imperative to continue funding for better and dignified lives of refugees, while making every effort for the early repatriation to Myanmar. Durable solutions to this crisis will be conducive to realizing the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, Japan will stand by the Government and the people of Bangladesh in supporting the Rohingya response,” he added.
Since the beginning of the emergency in August 2017, Japan has been a steadfast supporter of the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh, contributing over $175 million to UNFPA and other UN agencies and NGOs in Bangladesh, including through this new funding, said the Embassy.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
