Finland has contributed €2 million to support humanitarian assistance and protection services for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees announced on Thursday.
The funding will help sustain critical services for nearly 1.2 million stateless Rohingya refugees living in camps in southeastern Bangladesh while also addressing underfunded areas such as skills development and resilience-building programs.
According to UNHCR, the Rohingya crisis remains in a fragile phase as humanitarian funding continues to decline amid growing needs. Women, children, older persons, people with disabilities, and around 150,000 new arrivals since early 2024 are among the most vulnerable groups affected by funding shortages.
UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Ivo Freijsen welcomed Finland’s support, saying it comes at a critical time marked by worsening camp conditions, rising protection risks, and continued instability in Myanmar.
“Finland’s commitment reaffirms our collective responsibility to protect Rohingya families and help them thrive until conditions allow for their voluntary, safe, and dignified return to Myanmar,” he said.
Mari Ahmed said Finland stands in solidarity with both Bangladesh and the Rohingya people. She stressed the importance of investing not only in emergency assistance but also in skills development, resilience, and support for vulnerable groups.
The contribution comes as humanitarian agencies seek renewed international support under the 2026 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya crisis, which requires US$710.5 million to assist up to 1.56 million people, including refugees and host communities.
Finland has also pledged €7 million in flexible core funding to UNHCR’s global operations in 2026.
