Published: 11:14 PM, 03 August 2026
Australia commits AUD 25.25m for Rohingyas, host communities
Australia has committed AUD 25.25 million in multi-year humanitarian assistance to support Rohingyas and host communities in Bangladesh, providing a critical funding boost as global humanitarian resources come under increasing strain.
The funding announced on Monday by the Australia government and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), will support life-saving assistance and protection for Rohingyas in Bangladesh under Australia's 2026-2028 humanitarian programme, reports BSS.
The announcement was made in the presence of Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Australia's Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs and Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill in Dhaka today. According to a joint statement, the flexible multi-year funding will enable UNHCR and its partners to continue essential services across the Rohingya camps, including protection activities, skills development programmes and disaster risk reduction initiatives for Rohingyas living in fragile and disaster-prone areas.
"Australia continues to respond to the most significant humanitarian crises in our region, making our region safer, more stable and resilient," Assistant Minister Hill said. He reaffirmed Australia's commitment to supporting the humanitarian needs of Rohingyas in both Myanmar and Bangladesh, stressing that conditions inside Myanmar must allow for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of displaced Rohingyas by addressing the root causes of the crisis.
UNHCR Representative ad interim in Bangladesh Juliette Murekeyisoni warned that nearly nine years after the mass displacement of Rohingyas, the crisis risks fading from international attention as new global emergencies emerge.
"Australia's continued support sends a strong message that the Rohingya people have not been forgotten," she said, adding that Rohingyas continue to express their desire to return home with their rights, dignity and citizenship restored.
Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle said the latest contribution would help provide critical services to the most vulnerable Rohingyas, particularly women, girls and persons with disabilities.
According to the statement, around 1.2 million Rohingyas remain in Bangladesh, most of them living in overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar after fleeing violence in Myanmar in 2017.
It noted that persistent funding shortages have increased humanitarian vulnerabilities and contributed to dangerous coping strategies, including irregular sea journeys. Nearly 900 Rohingyas reportedly died or went missing in 2025 while attempting perilous crossings in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
The statement said funding shortfalls have disproportionately affected women, girls, older persons and people with disabilities, while an estimated 150,000 new arrivals have entered the camps since 2024, many of whom still lack adequate shelter and access to essential services.
It stressed that, alongside meeting immediate humanitarian needs, expanding access to education and skills development remains vital to strengthening Rohingyas resilience until durable solutions become possible.
The statement reiterated that sustained international solidarity would remain essential to ensure Rohingyas continue to receive protection, humanitarian assistance and opportunities while awaiting a lasting solution to the crisis.
