Sweden boosts aid for Rohingyas, host community

Sweden has provided 12.7 million US Dollars that approximately Taka 155.4 crore of vital humanitarian assistance through eight partners in Bangladesh.

This will support the over forcibly displaced one million Rohingyas living in the country as well as the host communities in Cox's Bazar, said a press release issued by the Swedish embassy here today.

Support will also be provided to communities living with 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 channelled to UNHCR, WFP, Norwegian Refugee Council, Islamic Relief, Action Against Hunger, Save the Children and International Rescue Committee.

It will be used for food assistance and nutrition; protection, gender-based violence services and child protection and 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 to be able to respond to emergencies, reports BSS.

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).