South Korea has provided $5 million to strengthen disability inclusion and protection efforts, as well as provide essential gas for cooking for the Rohingya in Bangladesh.

The fund will be managed by the UN Refugee Agency, according to a statement today.

"This generous contribution from the Republic of Korea comes at a crucial time, when the needs and vulnerabilities of Rohingya refugees continue to rise, especially for those with disabilities," said Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR representative in Bangladesh.

"Amid devastating cuts to life-saving aid, we are most grateful for the steadfast support of the people and government of Korea, which enables us to address critical needs and uphold refugees' dignity and well-being in an increasingly uncertain time," he added.

Eight years since their large-scale exodus from Myanmar in August 2017, over 1.16 million Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar and on Bhasan Char remain dependent on humanitarian assistance to meet their daily needs.

Since early 2024, renewed violence and human rights abuses in Myanmar's Rakhine state have forced an additional 150,000 refugees to flee.

South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young Sik said this year Korea's humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh has remained steadfast.

"The total contribution of $10 million, along with a second donation of a substantial quantity of rice, underscores our firm and enduring commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts for the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh," said

The Republic of Korea's contribution will support refugees with disabilities through early identification, provision of rehabilitation and assistive devices, mental health and psychosocial support, and construction of accessible facilities such as bathing cubicles and latrines.

Continued provision of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will help ensure refugees retain access to clean cooking fuel, supporting food security, nutrition, and health.