In a significant move to address the Rohingya crisis, Australia has committed AUD 25.25 million in multi-year humanitarian assistance to support Rohingyas and host communities in Bangladesh. The funding, announced by the Australian government and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), aims to provide life-saving assistance and protection for Rohingyas under Australia's 2026-2028 humanitarian program. The announcement was made in Dhaka in the presence of Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Australia's Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill.
The flexible multi-year funding will enable UNHCR and its partners to continue essential services across the Rohingya camps, including protection activities, skills development programs, and disaster risk reduction initiatives. Assistant Minister Hill emphasized Australia's commitment to the humanitarian needs of Rohingyas in both Myanmar and Bangladesh, stressing the importance of addressing the root causes of the crisis to facilitate the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of displaced Rohingyas.
UNHCR Representative ad interim in Bangladesh Juliette Murekeyisoni highlighted the critical need for sustained international support, warning that the crisis risks fading from international attention as new global emergencies emerge. She noted that Australia's continued support sends a strong message that the Rohingya people have not been forgotten. Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle added that the latest contribution would help provide critical services to the most vulnerable Rohingyas, particularly women, girls, and persons with disabilities.
The funding comes at a crucial time as 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 noted that 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.
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. Expanding access to education and skills development remains vital to strengthening Rohingyas' resilience until durable solutions become possible.
