Denmark announces another $4.6m for Rohingya refugees

Denmark has announced additional funding of $4.6 million to meet the urgent food needs of Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh, bringing its total funding to $13 million since August last year.

Danish Minister for Development Cooperation Ulla Tørnæs made the announcement yesterday following a two-day joint visit to the refugee camps in Kutupalong-Balukhali in Cox's Bazar, with Executive Director of World Food Programme (WFP) David Beasley.

The minister stressed further cooperation, dialogue, and sustained efforts from the international community for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis, according to a joint statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and WFP.

Some 720,000 Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh following a crackdown by the Myanmar military in Rakhine State of Myanmar, creating a humanitarian crisis.

The Danish government, one of the first donors to support WFP in meeting the urgent needs of the Rohingya refugees, remains committed to supporting those affected with both humanitarian and development assistance, the minister said. 

“I am pleased to see positive changes. Indeed, the resilience demonstrated by the Rohingya community is evident to us all. I am impressed with the results of the combined efforts of the international community and the Government of Bangladesh,” Tørnæs said.

“There is of course much more to be done. Yet, I must express appreciation for the work the World Food Programme is carrying out in support of 870,000 refugees with protection, food and shelter,” he added.

Beasley said for the past year, he has been haunted by the stories he heard in Cox's Bazar from people who survived unspeakable persecution in Myanmar.

“Returning to these camps now I am heartened by the obvious improvements, and am more determined than ever that the World Food Programme will stand with those in need.”

“More work needs to be done to support the Rohingya people and local Bangladeshi communities. The international community needs to work with Bangladesh to give the Rohingya children not just hope for a better future, but also the tools to thrive, including food, health and education,” he said, adding, “This crisis must not be forgotten.”