The Government of Australia and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have renewed their partnership to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh through a new AUD 16.5 million multi-year funding agreement covering 2026–2028.

The funding will help sustain critical services in Cox's Bazar, including sexual and reproductive healthcare, prevention and response to gender-based violence, and programmes for adolescents and youth, according to a UNFPA press release.

According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the agreement marks the third flexible multi-year funding arrangement between Australia and UNFPA aimed at supporting Rohingya refugees and vulnerable host communities in Bangladesh.

More than 1.2 million Rohingya currently live in densely populated camps in Cox’s Bazar, while about 568,000 people in surrounding host communities also require humanitarian assistance. Women and girls remain particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence, child marriage and limited access to essential reproductive health services.

Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle said the investment reflects Australia’s commitment to predictable humanitarian funding that protects women and girls and helps communities cope with displacement, insecurity and climate-related challenges.

UNFPA Representative in Bangladesh Catherine Breen-Kamkong said flexible multi-year support is crucial to sustaining life-saving services in the Rohingya camps. She added that Australia’s partnership helps ensure women receive safe childbirth support and survivors of violence can access essential care.

With previous Australian funding, UNFPA said it reached around 340,000 Rohingya and host community women and girls over the past three years, including thousands of persons with disabilities, while contributing to a reduction in maternal deaths in the camps.

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