Kiminori Iwama, the Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, embarked on his second official tour of the Rohingya camp on Bhasan Char from March 5 to 7, where he engaged with a community of over 30,000 Rohingya refugees.

Iwama observed the facilities and services provided at the camp, including a 20-bed hospital, a school, a multipurpose community center, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities, a water quality testing laboratory. He participated in the inauguration of a library, a handover ceremony by UNICEF, and the launch of a Grassroot Grant program. Furthermore, he had discussions with the Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, the Camp in Charge, and held conversations with representatives from UN agencies.

Since the mass migration in August 2017, Japan has been a significant contributor, donating over $220 million to various initiatives in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char via international organizations and NGOs. These contributions have supported food aid, healthcare, WASH, shelter, protection, and efforts toward gender mainstreaming.

Upon concluding his visit, the Ambassador expressed his appreciation for UNICEF’s organization of the trip and shared his insights into the educational environment for children within the camps. He is hopeful that these educational opportunities will aid in realizing the dreams of numerous children.

As the crisis surpasses six years, amidst other global emergencies, the importance of sustaining global attention on the Rohingya issue is emphasized. Japan remains committed to aiding in the resolution of this humanitarian challenge.