In a significant step toward empowering Rohingya women and girls, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the government of Japan signed a $3.3 million partnership agreement today. The initiative aims to uplift the livelihoods of both Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh.

During the signing ceremony at the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka, Ambassador Iwama Kiminori expressed hope that the assistance would protect women and girls, uphold their dignity, and enhance their quality of life.

UNFPA Bangladesh representative Masaki Watabe noted that the funds will support the scaling up of women's health services and strengthen connections between key health facilities in Cox's Bazar and Noakhali. The project, titled "Advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda for Displaced Persons from Myanmar and Host Communities in Cox's Bazar and Noakhali Districts," will address critical needs of Rohingya women and adolescent girls, as well as the host communities.

The project is structured around three key components. First, it will focus on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs, creating demand for services and building sustainable health service capacities. Second, it will tackle gender-based violence (GBV) by providing access to protection services through Women Friendly Spaces (WFS) and Women-Led Community Centers (WLCC), as well as support through local Women Affairs Offices and Women Help Desks in police stations. Lastly, the project will target adolescents vulnerable to child marriage, adolescent pregnancy, and exclusion from humanitarian aid.

Since the Rohingya crisis began in 2017, Japan has been a consistent supporter, contributing over $220 million to UN agencies and NGOs in Bangladesh. The crisis, now in its seventh year, continues to impact the lives of displaced people and host communities alike.

BOB Post