Dhaka: Sustained international assistance from countries such as Sweden remains crucial to bolstering Bangladesh’s Rohingya response, as it continues to host refugees until a durable solution is achieved, said the UN Refugee Agency.

According to United News of Bangladesh, UNHCR reiterated its gratitude to the government of Sweden for its solidarity and commitment to refugees. On behalf of the UN agencies participating in SAFE+2 (Safe Access to Fuel and Energy Plus, Phase 2), UNHCR welcomed the contribution of USD 2.9 million from the government of Sweden to support lifesaving initiatives and promote green energy solutions for Rohingya refugees in the Cox’s Bazar camps.

With this latest contribution, Sweden’s total support to the SAFE+2 initiative and its predecessor SAFE+ reaches USD 23.5 million. SAFE+2 focuses on expanding access to clean cooking fuel, namely liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), as well as restoring degraded forest areas, and promoting green skills development among refugees and local communities.

The programme is jointly implemented by UNHCR, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in coordination with the Government of Bangladesh.

Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, emphasized the importance of Sweden’s support at a critical time when funding is decreasing. He noted the ongoing reliance of 1.17 million Rohingya on humanitarian assistance and the safety benefits LPG provides to women and girls by eliminating the need to fetch firewood.

Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, highlighted the shrinking global humanitarian funds and the necessity to prioritize saving lives while maintaining past achievements. He expressed pride in Sweden’s solidarity with Rohingya refugees and their Bangladeshi hosts, promoting human dignity and environmental stewardship until conditions allow for a voluntary and safe return to Myanmar.