The Norwegian government showed its strong commitment to fostering peace and harmony in Rohingya camps and host communities in Cox's Bazar, by signing an agreement with UNDP yesterday.
Norwegian Ambassador in Dhaka Sidsel Bleken and Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh Sudipto Mukerjee signed the 6.5 million Norwegian Kroner agreement at UNDP office here on behalf of their respective sides, reports BSS.
The agreement will remain effective for the period 2019-2021, said a UNDP press release here. Under this agreement, UNDP will conduct a research to understand drivers of social tensions in Rohingya camps and in host communities in Cox's Bazar affected by the Rohingya crisis since August 2017.
The research findings will better inform and support the UN programming on early warning of any conflict and prevention and partnership with the government of Bangladesh. During the signing ceremony, Sudipto said "Norway has always been a vital partner in UNDP's mission to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This initiative will strengthen our development work in Cox's Bazar after Rohingya crisis and help us to promote peace and tolerance in the camps and host communities".
Sidsel Bleken said "We continue our support to implementation and monitoring of SDG 16 peace, justice and strong institutions around the world. After the Rohingya crisis in 2017, the Norwegian government has been working closely with Bangladesh government along with the international community for resolving the issue".
She said the agreement hopefully will pave the way for a peaceful and inclusive society in Cox's Bazar. The agreement is a part of UNDP's broader "Partnerships for a Tolerant, Inclusive Bangladesh" (PTIB) project, which promotes diverse and constructive narratives already present in the country in support of tolerance. Senior Adviser of Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka Morshed Ahmed and Senior Programme Manager of UNDP Robert Stoelman were, among others, present at the signing ceremony.