The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

UNHCR yesterday welcomed the European Commission's (EC) donation of 3.9 million euros (over USD $ 5.7 million) over the next two years to end the plight of refugees from Myanmar languishing in Bangladesh for long.

This contribution-more than double the amount the EC gave in 2006-2007--underline just how serious the European Community is about helping UNHCR and the government of Bangladesh to bring to an end the protracted plight of these refugees, said UNHCR chief in Dhaka, Pia Prytz Phiri.

Phiri and Ambassador Stefan Frowein, Head of the EC delegation in Bangladesh yesterday signed the contribution agreement.

The EC has long been the largest donor to UNHCR's operations in Bangladesh, which cost USD $ 54 million since the arrival of the Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in 1991 and 1992, said a UNHCR press release.

Most of the refugees from the northern Rakhine state went back home to western Myanmar soon after seeking refuge in Bangladesh, but 27,000 in two refugee camps near Cox's Bazar, await repatriation, it said.

"The money of course allows us to provide the daily necessities for refugees in the camps," Phiri said.

"And we are especially grateful that the EC speeded up the process so that we will be able to spend this money from January, without any delays," he said.

"But just as important has been the solidarity of the European Community in working together with UNHCR and other donors to help the Bangladesh government find lasting solutions for these refugees. It's clear to everyone that these people cannot go on living in refugee camps forever," he said.

With the backing of the EC and other donors, UNHCR won agreement from the Bangladesh government for significant improvements over the past year in the two camps, Nayapara and Kutupalong, which had been among the worst in the world, said the UNHCR release.

New shelters, being constructed for all the refugees with another grade added to the informal education system, and the national school curriculum is being introduced, it said.