Canada has announced a contribution of CAD 10 million to support clean and sustainable cooking fuel for nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees living in camps across Cox’s Bazar, reinforcing international efforts to address one of the world’s most protracted humanitarian crises.

The funding, channeled through UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration, will ensure continued distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), enabling refugees to cook safely while reducing environmental degradation in the ecologically fragile district.

According to a report published by The Daily Sun, the initiative is expected to play a critical role in protecting local forests and improving safety conditions in the densely populated camps, particularly for women and children who are most at risk when collecting firewood.

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh said the contribution reflects Canada’s long-standing commitment to the Rohingya response, emphasizing that the climate-focused funding will help curb deforestation and carbon emissions while benefiting both refugees and host communities.

Cox’s Bazar remains one of Bangladesh’s most climate-vulnerable regions, frequently exposed to floods, landslides, cyclones, and fires. Since the introduction of LPG distribution in 2018, firewood use among refugee households has dropped by approximately 80%, preventing an estimated 407,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

UNHCR Deputy Representative in Bangladesh Juliette Murekeyisoni noted that the support comes at a crucial moment, as Rohingya refugees continue to face a prolonged displacement crisis compounded by climate risks. She stressed the importance of sustained global solidarity to ensure dignified living conditions and eventual safe repatriation.

Meanwhile, Giuseppe Loprete, Chief of Mission for IOM in Bangladesh, highlighted that access to safe and reliable energy remains essential for refugee well-being, reducing health hazards and minimizing reliance on unsafe fuel sources.

Canada’s contribution will support LPG access for around 243,500 refugee households and help conserve approximately 10,700 hectares of protected forest land in Cox’s Bazar. The initiative is also expected to strengthen environmental resilience by stabilizing slopes, reducing landslide risks, and mitigating human-wildlife conflict in surrounding areas.

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