Canada supports Rohingya response with $10m for environmental protection, clean cooking fuel

Canada announced today (12 April) a $10 million contribution to provide clean, safe, and sustainable cooking fuel for nearly 12 lakh Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. 

The funding, provided to the UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) and IOM (the International Organization for Migration), will ensure the continued provision of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to the Rohingya. 

This is essential for cooking while helping to preserve the fragile environment surrounding the camps and improving the safety, health, and dignity of refugees, particularly women and children, according to a press release issued by the UNHCR.

“Canada remains a longstanding and steadfast partner in the Rohingya crisis response. This climate-responsive humanitarian contribution will reduce deforestation and carbon emissions in an environmentally fragile district, benefiting refugees, Bangladeshis, and the wider population. 

“It will also lower the risks to vulnerable people, especially women and girls, including those that stem from gathering firewood,” said Ajit Singh, high commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh. 

“Canada is pleased to provide this $10 million contribution to UNHCR and IOM to strengthen environmental protection that benefits us all, as well as advance the well-being of vulnerable Rohingya refugees.”

“Nine years on, Rohingya refugees are navigating one of the world’s most difficult displacement situations – a protracted crisis compounded by climate vulnerability,” said Juliette Murekeyisoni, UNHCR deputy representative in Bangladesh. 

“Canada’s support comes at a crucial time, and I am deeply grateful for it. Sustained international solidarity remains critical to ensuring that refugees can live in dignity while we work toward conditions for their voluntary, safe, and dignified return.”

“Safe, reliable energy is fundamental to the well-being of families who have experienced immense hardship for the past nine years,” said Giuseppe Loprete, chief of mission for IOM in Bangladesh. 

“We thank Canada for their generous support, which ensures that refugees can avoid dangerous firewood collection and live in healthier environments, while also protecting local forests and biodiversity.”