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Published : 18 Jun 2026, 06:30 PM
The European Union (EU) has pledged an additional 14 million euros (about $16 million) for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh, adding to international support for a humanitarian response that requires more than $710 million this year alone.
The new funding of 14 million euros, equivalent to roughly $16 million, was announced on Thursday under a renewed partnership between the European Union and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
It comes as aid agencies seek $710.5 million in 2026 to support 1.6 million people, including Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char and Bangladeshi host communities in Ukhiya and Teknaf.
According to a UNHCR statement, the new EU contribution will support the 1.2 million Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh and nearly 70,000 members of the host community.
The funding will be used to strengthen resilience and self-reliance through skills development initiatives and expanded access to clean cooking fuel, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
“The European Union is committed to supporting Rohingya refugees and the communities hosting them in Bangladesh,” said Michael Miller, ambassador and head of the European Union Delegation in Bangladesh.
“As needs remain protracted, we need to transform the response. With a focus on more education, skills development and income-generating opportunities, the 14 million euros the European Union is adding today will help Bangladeshi host communities in Cox’s Bazar and expand options for education, practical skills training and improved living conditions for the Rohingya.
“This is about preserving dignity, strengthening resilience and giving refugees the tools to rebuild their lives -- preparing them for voluntary, safe and dignified return to Myanmar when conditions allow.”
UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Ivo Freijsen said sustained international backing remained critical for Rohingya families who have spent nearly nine years in displacement.
“Reliable, steadfast support is fundamental to the well-being of families who have experienced immense hardship for the past nine years,” he said.
“We are grateful to the European Union for standing with the Rohingya in Bangladesh, ensuring that refugees can access vital protection services, meet their basic needs and maintain hope for a safer and more dignified future.”
UNHCR said overcrowded camps, limited resources and prolonged displacement continue to leave refugees highly vulnerable, particularly women and children who face heightened risks of gender-based violence, trafficking and exploitation.
The agency said the funding would also support protection services, safer camp environments, community-based protection mechanisms and access to LPG, reducing the need for refugees to collect firewood and helping ease pressure on surrounding forests.
The announcement comes ahead of World Refugee Day on Jun 20.
UNHCR is working with the Bangladesh government, humanitarian agencies and donors under the 2025-2026 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya crisis.
The 2026 response plan seeks $710.5 million to support 1.6 million people, while the 2025 plan sought $934.5 million and brought together 113 partner organisations, including UN agencies and Bangladeshi and international NGOs.
