Sweden provides USD 12.7 million, or Tk 155.4 crore, of vital humanitarian assistance through eight partners in Bangladesh. This will support the over 1 million Rohingya refugees living in the country, as well as the host communities in Cox’s Bazar. Support will also be provided to communities living with acute food insecurity as well as to enable local NGOs to respond to emergencies.
“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 ambassador Nicolas Weeks. “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.”
Flexible funds are channeled to UNHCR, WFP, Norwegian Refugee Council, Islamic Relief, Action Against Hunger, Save the Children and International Rescue Committee and used for:
- Food assistance and nutrition
- Protection, gender-based violence services and child protection
- 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.
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). This is reflective of good humanitarian donorship and allows for the UN to prioritize strategically, optimize planning and to respond with speed.
