Diplomatic Correspondent

Japan has reiterated that they will continue to work toward the resolution of the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, stressing that it is essential to keep raising awareness among the international community.

Together with members of the Japanese Commerce and Industry Association (JCIAD) in Dhaka, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, Takahashi Naoki, visited the Rohingya facilities in Bhasan Char from November 9 to 12, where over 35,000 Rohingya Refugees reside.

Through a visit program arranged by the WFP, the delegation had exchanges of views with the Camp-in-Charge from the Government of Bangladesh, the Navy, as well as UN agencies.

They visited an e-voucher outlet, a fresh food market, the Integrated Health and Nutrition Facility, the NGO Production Center, waste management and recycling facilities.

They attended a handover ceremony at a school run by UNICEF Integrated Education Program and WFP School Feeding Program, where the JCIAD donated school supplies.

Since the large influx of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh in August 2017, Japan has contributed over 220 million USD to various interventions in Cox's Bazar as well as in Bhasan Char through international organizations and NGOs, providing assistance such as food, healthcare, WASH, shelter, protection, and gender mainstreaming.

Witnessing ongoing activities in the field, Takahashi said, "With our visit this time, Japan has become the first country to dispatch a delegation composed jointly of business people and government officials to Bhasan Char."

The diplomat said the visit program arranged by WFP offered a meaningful opportunity for to deepen understanding of the situation on the ground and the various challenges that Rohingya refugees are facing there. "I hope that Japanese assistance will continue to contribute to improving the humanitarian situation in Bhasan Char."