Japan, IOM to provide $4.4m for raising Rohingya’s living condition

The Government of Japan and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) signed an agreement to provide USD 4.4 million in multi-sectoral support assistance for “Rohingya” and host communities in Cox’s Bazar.

An Exchange of Notes was signed by ITO Naoki, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, and Fathima Nusrath Ghazzali, Officer in Charge of IOM Bangladesh at IOM office in Dhaka today, according to a press release of the Embassy of Japan.

The “Rohingya” and host communities in Cox’s Bazar face significant challenges due to the lack of sufficient shelters, access to healthcare, latrines and safe water, the release said, BSS reports.

In addition, Cox’s Bazar is geographically vulnerable to natural disaster, with cyclones occurring annually.

The project, titled ‘The Project for upgrading shelter and improving living conditions for forcefully displaced persons from Myanmar and the vulnerable host communities in Cox’s Bazar District’, will support the upgrading of shelters for nearly 50,000 “Rohingya” in the camps, as well as almost 1,380 people in host community.

It will assist with the maintenance of two primary healthcare facilities and nine health posts, along with capacity building for volunteers on mental healthcare, the maintenance of 92 latrines and10water drainage systems in the camps, and the construction of 40 deep tube wells in host community areas.

Furthermore, the project will contribute to the maintenance of 11 cyclone shelters in host community areas as well as capacity building for female volunteers for disaster risk reduction.

“The “Rohingyas” currently live in congested camps where they face limited opportunities and complex challenges. Host communities also confront issues that increase their vulnerability, including strained resources, limited market access, few employment opportunities, insufficient infrastructure, and recurring environmental shocks,” said Ghazzali.