National
14 days ago

Sweden boosts humanitarian aid for Rohingyas, host community

Reuters file photo
Reuters file photo

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Sweden has provided 12.7 million US dollars, approximately Tk 155.4 crore, in vital humanitarian assistance through eight partners in Bangladesh.

This support will benefit the over one million forcibly displaced Rohingyas living in the country, as well as the host communities in Cox's Bazar, said a press release issued by the Swedish Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday.

Support will also be extended to communities facing acute food insecurity, as well as to enable local NGOs to respond to emergencies, it added.

"Sweden stands firmly with Bangladesh in responding to humanitarian needs in the country, including those of Rohingya refugees, just as we have for the past seven years," says Sweden Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks on the occasion.

"This year, we are increasing our initial allocation compared to last year, because of growing humanitarian needs, not least in the world's largest refugee camp in Cox's Bazar," he added.

The funds are being channeled to UNHCR, WFP, Norwegian Refugee Council, Islamic Relief, Action Against Hunger, Save the Children, and International Rescue Committee.

They will be used for food assistance and nutrition; protection, gender-based violence services and child protection; and the provision of essential services such as healthcare, emergency education, and access to water and sanitation.

In addition, Sweden is partnering with Start Fund Bangladesh to support 26 local and national organizations in responding to emergencies.

Sweden is one of the world's largest humanitarian donors and among the top providers of core support to UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF, UNFPA, as well as the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

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