Canada has pledged $10 million to support LPG cooking fuel for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, reducing deforestation, emissions and health risks while improving safety and living conditions.
Canada has pledged CAD 10 million to support nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh with clean and sustainable cooking fuel, aiming to improve safety and reduce environmental damage in the densely populated camps of Cox’s Bazar.
The funding, announced Sunday, will be channelled through the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration to continue supplying liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, to Rohingya households.
The programme ensures refugees can cook safely while helping preserve the fragile environment surrounding the camps. It also improves health, safety and dignity, particularly for women and children, according to a press release.
“Canada remains a longstanding and steadfast partner in the Rohingya crisis response,” said Ajit Singh. “This climate-responsive humanitarian contribution will reduce deforestation and carbon emissions in an environmentally fragile district that will benefit refugees, Bangladeshis and the wider population.”
He added that the initiative would also lower risks faced by vulnerable groups, including dangers linked to collecting firewood.
Cox’s Bazar, one of Bangladesh’s most climate-vulnerable regions, faces recurring flooding, landslides, cyclones, fires and ongoing environmental degradation.
Since LPG distribution began in 2018, firewood use among refugee households has dropped by 80 percent. The programme is estimated to prevent around 407,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
“Nine years on, Rohingya refugees are navigating one of the world’s most difficult displacement situations, a protracted crisis compounded by climate vulnerability,” said Juliette Murekeyisoni. “Canada’s support comes at a crucial time. Sustained international solidarity remains critical to ensuring that refugees can live in dignity while we work toward conditions for their voluntary, safe and dignified return.”
Giuseppe Loprete said access to safe and reliable energy is essential for families who have endured years of hardship.
“We thank Canada for their generous support, which ensures that refugees can avoid dangerous firewood collection and live in healthier environments, while also protecting local forests and biodiversity,” he said.
Canada’s contribution will support LPG access for around 243,500 refugee households. It is also expected to help conserve up to 10,700 hectares of protected forest in Cox’s Bazar.
Beyond fuel provision, the initiative will strengthen community resilience by stabilising slopes, reducing landslide risks and lowering human-wildlife conflict in ecologically sensitive areas.
