Sweden Pledges Additional $2.1 Million to Support Lifesaving Aid and Environmental Restoration in Cox’s Bazar

Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazaar, Bangladesh (Photo: File Photo)

Arakan Now | 19 June 2025

As the world prepares to mark World Refugee Day 2025, Sweden has stepped forward with a renewed commitment to support the Rohingya refugee crisis. On Wednesday, the Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh, HE Nicolas Weeks, announced an additional $2.1 million (Tk25.7 crore) in funding aimed at saving lives and promoting a greener, more sustainable future in Cox’s Bazar.

The fresh contribution will strengthen ongoing efforts to provide cleaner cooking energy, rehabilitate the degraded environment, and build green skills among both Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi host communities.

This funding is part of the Safe Access to Fuel and Energy Plus, Phase 2 (SAFE+2) programme—a joint initiative led by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh.

“With drastically decreasing funds, we need to prioritize those with the most severe needs and focus on saving lives, while upholding achievements made over the past few years,” said Ambassador Weeks.

He emphasized that the new funding will help refugees continue using cleaner fuels for cooking, reducing pressure on the local forests and improving health outcomes within the camps.

“Until they can return to Myanmar in a voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable way, I am proud that Sweden stands in solidarity with Rohingya refugees and their Bangladeshi hosts, promoting human dignity and environmental stewardship,” he added.

Restoring Nature, Empowering People

Since its launch in 2019, the SAFE+ programme has had a tangible impact in Cox’s Bazar. More than 2,300 hectares of forest have been brought back to life, transforming areas once stripped bare into green landscapes that stabilize the hillsides and reduce the risk of landslides.

In addition, the distribution of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) for cooking has helped protect over 14,500 hectares of forest and prevent the release of more than 370,000 tons of carbon dioxide, compared to the widespread use of firewood in the early days of the refugee crisis.

The programme also invests in skill development, enabling refugees and host communities to pursue livelihoods that align with environmental conservation.

A Longstanding Partnership

With this latest announcement, Sweden’s total contribution to the SAFE+ initiative rises to $21 million (Tk256.3 crore). Since the start of the Rohingya influx in 2017, Sweden has provided over $136.7 million (Tk1,667 crore) in support of humanitarian efforts in Cox’s Bazar.

Despite the longevity of the crisis and the growing sense of fatigue among donors, Sweden’s sustained commitment offers a strong message of solidarity and compassion.

“After nearly eight years in exile, rapidly decreasing financial resources, and in the absence of an immediate resolution and peace in Rakhine State, I am deeply concerned that hope among the Rohingya community is fading,” said Ambassador Weeks.

“This World Refugee Day, I would like to let refugees know that we see you. You are not forgotten. You are not alone.”

Photo credit: Dhaka Tribune