What's New

     Dhaka, 2 March 2026 – The Government of Japan and UNICEF today signed a new agreement designed to deliver life‑saving support to Rohingya refugee children and their families in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.
     H.E. Mr. Saida Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, and Ms. Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, confirmed that the Government of Japan’s US$1.4 million contribution will benefit more than 56,500 refugees, including over 36,000 children, by deliveringcritical services in education; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); nutrition; and health. The support reflects Japan’s longstanding partnership with UNICEF of more than 70 years and its role as one of UNICEF’s largest government donors globally, with a strong commitment to human security, universal health coverage, and the humanitarian–development–peace nexus.
     Now entering its ninth year, the Rohingya refugee crisis remains one of the world’s largest and most protracted humanitarian situations. Overcrowded living conditions, disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and limited learning space continue to place children at grave risk. For the Government of Japan and UNICEF, the camps must remain safe havens until children can safely return home. Providing health care, nutrition, clean water, and learning opportunities is fundamental not only to children’s survival and development but also to preserving the Rohingya culture and identity.
 Ambassador SAIDA expressed hope that the support from the Government of Japan will improve the living conditions for both Rohingya refugees and host communities. “I am pleased to announce Japan's new agreement with UNICEF, especially amid declining global funding. This aid focuses on critical services like education, WASH, nutrition, and health, reflecting Japan's long-standing partnership with UNICEF and our strong commitment to human security. We believe this investment will significantly enhance their resilience and dignity, and Japan remains a resolute partner in this essential humanitarian endeavor.”, said Ambassador SAIDA.
     Critical to the Government of Japan’s approach is ensuring that efforts to protect vulnerable populations also bolster their resilience, dignity, protection and stability. Accordingly, UNICEF will ensure Rohingya children continue their learning by expanding access to the Myanmar Curriculum on Bhasan Char and supporting formal education as well as skills training for adolescents in Cox’s Bazar.
     “For Rohingya children, every day in the camps brings new risks — from disease and malnutrition to missed learning and lost childhood moments,” said Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh. “The support from the Government of Japan will help keep children healthy and in learning, promoting practical pathways for skill building, while giving families the tools to care for their youngest children. At a time of shrinking resources, and when the future of an entire culture is at risk, this partnership is a vital investment in children’s survival, dignity, and future.”
     The partnership will also strengthen safe water and sanitation services by improving water supply systems and sanitation facilities, crucial to reducing outbreaks of cholera, dengue, and other diseases. Households will receive hygiene supplies, including soap and menstrual hygiene materials, supporting both health and gender equity, a shared priority for Japan and UNICEF.
     Aligned with Japan’s strong global advocacy for Universal Health Coverage, UNICEF will scale up services to prevent and treat child malnutrition and enhance maternal and newborn health, including care at the Newborn Stabilization Unit on Bhasan Char and primary health centres in Cox’s Bazar.
     Japan is a longstanding partner of UNICEF in Bangladesh. Since the start of the Rohingya emergency in August 2017, the Government of Japan has contributed over US$250 million to UN agencies and NGOs in Bangladesh for the Rohingya refugee response, and approximately US$47 million to support Rohingya children and families through UNICEF. UNICEF remains committed to ensuring strong visibility for Japan’s contribution, delivering efficient and transparent operations — and maximizing the impact of Japan’s investment for children.