The Italian government reaffirmed its support for Rohingya refugees on Tuesday(October28), announcing a €2.5 million contribution to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to bolster life-saving assistance and protection in Bangladesh.

The new funding was granted by Farnesina, Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and its Directorate General for Migration Policies.

According to the UN refugee agency, the contribution will help sustain critical community-based protection programmes, initiatives to prevent gender-based violence, and efforts to strengthen child protection. It will also support upholding refugee rights through continued registration and documentation.

“Italy remains a steadfast supporter of the Rohingya refugee response,” said Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh. “This generous contribution from the Italian people will help meet Rohingya refugees’ most urgent needs and provide vital protection against the challenges and threats of life in the world’s largest refugee camp.”

Freijsen noted that at a time of growing humanitarian strain, such services are essential for preserving dignity and self-reliance.

Antonio Alessandro, Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh, stated that Italy has supported the international community's efforts under the Joint Response Plan since the beginning of the emergency. The goal, he said, is "to help ensure dignity for Rohingya refugees, as well as hope for the future."

"In this respect, we welcome Bangladesh's commitment to engaging with relevant stakeholders and seeking a solution to this protracted crisis,” he added.

Now entering its eighth year, the Rohingya crisis remains one of the world's most protracted refugee situations. Approximately 1.16 million refugees continue to live in densely populated camps in Cox’s Bazar and on the island of Bhasan Char, relying almost entirely on humanitarian aid for basic needs like food, shelter, water, and healthcare.

Humanitarian needs in Bangladesh have deepened in 2024, with an estimated 150,000 Rohingya arriving in the camps since the start of the year after fleeing continuous violence and human rights violations in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

Italy’s renewed commitment comes as global humanitarian funding continues to decline, forcing aid agencies to make difficult choices that could jeopardize hard-won gains in refugee health and well-being.

BOB Post