Australia pledges $16.5 million for Rohingya refugees
- Arakan Now
- 6 days ago
- 1 min read
Arakan Now | 21 March 2026
Australia has committed AUD 16.5 million to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh through a three-year partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Announced on 13 March, the funding will run from 2026 to 2028 and support essential health and protection services in Cox’s Bazar, where more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees live in overcrowded camps. Around 568,000 people in nearby host communities will also benefit.
The programme will focus on sexual and reproductive health services, preventing gender-based violence, and supporting women and girls, who face risks such as child marriage, abuse and limited access to healthcare.
Australian High Commissioner Susan Ryle said the funding reflects Australia’s commitment to flexible humanitarian support in long-term crises.
UNFPA provides services through health facilities and safe spaces, including emergency obstetric care, psychosocial support, and assistance for survivors of violence.
With previous Australian support, UNFPA said it has reached about 340,000 women and girls over the past three years and helped reduce maternal deaths in the camps.
