Japan and UNHCR Support Improvement of Access to Clean Water for Vulnerable Communities in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar

News Desk: On 28th February, the Government of Japan and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) concluded an agreement which will provide approximately US$ 10 million to support the improvement of the water supply and distribution system for Bangladeshi host communities and “Rohingya“ refugees in Teknaf Upazila, Cox’s Bazar. The agreement was signed by UNHCR Bangladesh Assistant Representative, Yumiko Kashiwa, and Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, H. E. Mr. ITO Naoki, at the UNHCR country office in Dhaka.

Teknaf Upazila in Cox's Bazar has been facing challenges in ensuring safe access to water for the local population for many years. The situation became even more challenging following the influx of “Rohingya“ forced to flee from Myanmar in recent years. This contribution will help to stabilize the water supply and improve the living conditions of both communities.

The project will be implemented over the course of three years and carried out in close collaboration and under the guidance and leadership of the Bangladesh Government, including the Economic Relations Division (ERD), the Department of Public Health and Engineering (DPHE), the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MODMR) as well as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) in Cox’s Bazar.

“When the refugee influx began in August 2017, local Bangladeshi communities in Teknaf and Ukhiya Upazilas were the first responders, providing shelter, food, and water to those forced to flee. The Government and the people of Bangladesh continue to generously host this vulnerable population until durable solutions can be found. UNHCR, with the support of the Government of Japan, is committed to supporting host communities as well as the “Rohingya“ population, who need continued humanitarian assistance” said Ms. Kashiwa, UNHCR Assistant Representative to Bangladesh.

“I commend the UNHCR for its successful implementation of assistance to “Rohingya” refugees so far in cooperation with the Government of Bangladesh.　From this project, both the host communities and refugees will get the benefit. I sincerely hope that this project will be able to support the water environment of the host community and refugee in Teknaf and contribute to the stable development of Bangladesh. Japan’s humanitarian assistance for these beneficiaries has reached USD$140 million and Japan will continue its support to Bangladesh, in the pursuit of Free and Open Indo- Pacific.” said Mr. ITO Naoki, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh.

Since the influx of refugees into Bangladesh began in August 2017, the Government of Japan has granted approximately USD $140 million to international organizations and NGOs to assist both “Rohingya“ refugees, as well as host communities. This includes the USD $10 million donated today to UNHCR.