Italy Pledges €2.5m to Aid Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh

Mizzima

Italy has pledged €2.5 million to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, renewing its commitment to one of the world’s most protracted humanitarian crises. The donation, announced on 28 October, will be channelled through the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to bolster life-saving assistance and protection in the country’s overcrowded refugee camps.

The funding, provided by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Directorate General for Migration Policies, will sustain vital community-based programmes. These include initiatives to prevent gender-based violence, strengthen child protection, and uphold refugee rights through continued registration and documentation.

“Italy remains a steadfast supporter of the Rohingya refugee response,” said Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR’s Representative in Bangladesh. “This generous contribution from the Italian people will help meet urgent needs and provide vital protection in the world’s largest refugee camp.”

The Rohingya crisis, now in its eighth year, has seen over 1.16 million refugees settle in camps across Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. Many fled Myanmar’s Rakhine State amid escalating violence and human rights abuses. Since early 2024 alone, an estimated 150,000 Rohingya have arrived in Bangladesh, deepening the strain on humanitarian resources.

Italy’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Antonio Alessandro, praised Bangladesh’s continued engagement with international stakeholders. “We welcome Bangladesh’s commitment to seeking a solution to this protracted crisis,” he said, reaffirming Italy’s support for the Joint Response Plan.

The donation comes at a time when global humanitarian funding is under pressure. Aid agencies are increasingly forced to prioritise needs, risking setbacks in refugee health, safety and self-reliance. UNHCR has warned that without sustained support, hard-won gains could be lost.

Italy’s renewed backing aims to preserve dignity and hope for Rohingya communities, many of whom remain entirely dependent on aid for food, shelter, clean water and healthcare. As funding gaps widen, such contributions are critical to maintaining essential services and protecting vulnerable lives.

-2025-11-01