Japan delegation meets disaster management minister over Rohingya issue

Bangladesh has called for increased international funding to sustain humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees sheltered in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char. Emphasis was also placed on safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation as a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis.

A high-level delegation from Japan's Nippon Foundation and Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), led by Nippon Foundation Chairman Yohei Sasakawa, met with Disaster Management and Relief Minister M Iqbal Hossain at the Secretariat on Monday morning (September 7). Discussions covered the current situation of the Rohingya and various aspects of humanitarian assistance.

The meeting noted that reduced foreign aid and funding are making it increasingly difficult to sustain essential services for the Rohingya, including food, nutrition, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, shelter and protection. It stressed the need to secure adequate, consistent and long-term funding from international partners to meet basic needs.

Bangladesh called on the Nippon Foundation and Sasakawa Peace Foundation to further increase cooperation so that humanitarian operations in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char are not disrupted. The Japanese delegation expressed optimism about continuing support for various programmes and expanding cooperation in the future.

Sustainable repatriation to Myanmar was identified as the primary solution to the Rohingya crisis. Bangladesh called on the delegation to continue necessary cooperation and support in the international arena to advance this process. The need for more coordinated and effective partnerships among the Bangladesh government, international organisations and development partners was also discussed.

The meeting was attended by Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Saiful Islam. The Japanese delegation included Akio Horiba, director of the Centre for Mediation Support; the private secretary to the Nippon Foundation Chairman; and Shota Nakaya, general manager of the foundation.