Dhaka, May 31, 2026 – The Europe Today: Finland has pledged a new €2 million (approximately US$2.23 million) humanitarian assistance package to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, providing a timely boost as international funding for refugee operations continues to decline.
The contribution was announced by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Sunday. The agency said the funding will help sustain critical life-saving assistance and protection services for Rohingya refugees living in the densely populated camps of Cox’s Bazar.
According to the UNHCR office in Dhaka, the additional funding will address urgent gaps in humanitarian support, particularly in underfunded sectors such as skills development and resilience-building programs. The aid comes at a time when humanitarian agencies are grappling with shrinking global resources despite growing needs on the ground.
Nearly ten years after fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar, around 1.2 million Rohingya refugees remain in temporary settlements across Bangladesh. However, declining international support has placed increasing pressure on humanitarian operations, leaving vulnerable groups at heightened risk.
UNHCR noted that women, girls, elderly persons, and individuals with disabilities have been disproportionately affected by funding shortfalls. The situation has become more challenging following the arrival of approximately 150,000 additional refugees since early 2024, many of whom continue to lack adequate shelter due to severe overcrowding and limited space in the camps.
“As the Rohingya response enters a fragile phase—marked by declining funding, worsening camp conditions, rising protection risks, and continued instability in Myanmar—Finland’s stepped-up commitment shows great generosity,” said Ivo Freijsen.
The importance of sustained international support is underscored by the 2026 update of the Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis. The revised appeal seeks US$710.5 million to provide assistance to 1.56 million people, including Rohingya refugees and members of host communities in Bangladesh.
Reflecting the increasingly difficult funding environment, the 2026 appeal is 26 percent lower than the previous year’s request and is designed to cover only the minimum resources required to maintain essential, life-saving services.
Humanitarian agencies have warned that without increased international contributions, critical assistance programs may face further reductions, potentially worsening living conditions for one of the world’s largest displaced populations.
