Sweden donates $2.9m for Rohingya energy programme

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has welcomed a contribution of $2.9 million from the Government of Sweden to support lifesaving activities and promote green energy solutions for Rohingya refugees living in camps in Cox’s Bazar.

The funding will support the Safe Access to Fuel and Energy Plus, Phase 2 (SAFE+2) programme, which aims to expand access to clean cooking fuel—primarily liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)—restore degraded forest areas, and promote green skills development among refugees and host communities, said a press release.

The programme is jointly implemented by UNHCR, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the World Food Programme (WFP), in close coordination with the Government of Bangladesh.

UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Ivo Freijsen said the contribution comes at a critical time, as humanitarian needs remain high while overall funding continues to decline.

He noted that nearly eight years into the Rohingya crisis, around 1.17 million Rohingya refugees still depend on humanitarian assistance.

Freijsen highlighted that access to LPG has significantly improved daily life for refugee families, particularly enhancing the safety of women and girls by eliminating the need to collect firewood.

Sweden’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Nicolas Weeks, said shrinking global humanitarian funding makes it essential to prioritise lifesaving assistance.

He said the support will allow refugees to continue using cleaner cooking fuel, helping to protect their health and preserve surrounding forests.

He reaffirmed Sweden’s solidarity with Rohingya refugees and their Bangladeshi hosts until conditions allow for a voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return to Myanmar.

Since LPG distribution began in the camps in 2018, programmes such as SAFE+2 have helped reduce reliance on firewood and promoted cleaner energy use.

According to UN agencies, these efforts have protected more than 14,500 hectares of forest, reduced environmental degradation, and improved safety and health conditions, particularly for women and children.

With the latest contribution, Sweden’s total support to the SAFE+2 initiative and its predecessor now stands at $23.5 million.

UNHCR and its partner agencies expressed gratitude to Sweden, stressing that continued international support remains vital for Bangladesh’s Rohingya response until a durable solution is achieved.