UK commits £27m to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Rohingya refugees, announcing a new £27 million aid package aimed at delivering essential humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh.

The package will provide critical services such as food, shelter, clean water, healthcare and protection to over half a million Rohingya refugees who have been displaced from Myanmar due to conflict and persecution.

In her statement, Cooper emphasized the UK’s continued dedication to ensuring that those affected by violence are treated with dignity and given opportunities to rebuild their lives.

She noted that the new funding will also benefit vulnerable members of the Bangladeshi host communities, many of whom have borne the strain of hosting large numbers of refugees since the crisis began in 2017.

The aid will be channelled through trusted international partners operating on the ground to ensure effective delivery.

Key components of the funding will support camp management and coordination, legal assistance and documentation, sexual and reproductive health services for 175,000 women and girls, as well as protection for survivors of sexual, physical and psychological abuse.

Additionally, the UK will assist in improving access to clean water and sanitation for tens of thousands of refugees, provide vital healthcare services and support education and disability-inclusive assistance.

Part of the funding will also focus on strengthening resilience among both refugees and host communities by offering skills training and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices.

The British government said this approach reflects its broader goal of enabling long-term solutions that provide hope, security, and stability in the region.

The UK continues to be a leading donor to the Rohingya crisis, with total contributions now exceeding £447 million since 2017.

This latest aid pledge underlines the UK’s leadership in global humanitarian response and its commitment to addressing the root causes of displacement.

The British government reiterated the urgent need for sustained international coordination and called for full, unhindered humanitarian access within Myanmar, particularly in the increasingly dire conditions in Rakhine State.

In addition to addressing immediate needs, the UK is working with key stakeholders on both sides of the border to help build a sustainable future for the Rohingya people.

The British government described its relationship with Bangladesh as a valued and historic partnership, underpinned by shared Commonwealth ties, strong diaspora links, cooperation on climate and development and robust economic relations.