Dhaka: Australia has announced a new AUD 16.5 million funding agreement with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to aid Rohingyas and host communities in Bangladesh from 2026 to 2028. This collaboration aims to sustain crucial services in areas such as sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence prevention, and adolescent and youth services, as highlighted in a press release by UNFPA.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this agreement marks the third multi-year flexible funding partnership between Australia and UNFPA, underscoring Australia’s ongoing dedication to assisting Rohingyas and host communities. Currently, over 1.2 million Rohingyas reside in overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar, with 568,000 individuals from host communities also requiring humanitarian aid.
Women and girls in these communities face significant challenges, including risks of gender-based violence, child marriage, and inadequate access to essential health services. Insecurity, climate-related disasters, and reduced global humanitarian funding further exacerbate these vulnerabilities.
Susan Ryle, the Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, expressed pride in the partnership with UNFPA, emphasizing the importance of predictable, flexible humanitarian funding. The investment aims to protect women and girls and support communities facing displacement, insecurity, and climate-related pressures.
UNFPA’s involvement in the Rohingya humanitarian response includes providing access to emergency obstetric care, midwifery services, psychosocial support, clinical management of rape, family planning, dignity kits, and empowerment opportunities. Australia’s previous support has impacted around 340,000 women and girls in Rohingya and host communities over the past three years, including over 7,500 persons with disabilities, contributing to a reduction in maternal deaths.
Catherine Breen-Kamkong, UNFPA Representative in Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of this strategic investment, stating that flexible funding allows for the adaptation to changing needs and ensures the continuous protection of health, safety, and dignity for women and girls. The agreement aligns with the Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya humanitarian response and the Australia-Bangladesh Development Partnership Plan 2025-2030.