EU provides €500,000 in emergency funding for victims of Cox's Bazar fire in Bangladesh

The European Commission has announced €500,000 in emergency funding to respond to the consequences of the massive fires in Cox's Bazar Rohingya camps in Bangladesh on 22 March.

The fire affecting one of the largest Rohingya camps in the world has caused several deaths and injuries.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič said, "The devastation caused by the terrible fire in Cox's Bazar has worsened the already dire humanitarian situation faced by almost 1 million Rohingyas living in the camps. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those who have suffered terrible loss in this tragedy. We also commend the bravery of the emergency services, aid agencies, volunteers, and all those who fought tirelessly to contain the blaze and prevent further loss of lives. At this challenging time, the EU is stepping up its long-standing humanitarian assistance to those most in need. And we will continue to provide strong humanitarian aid support directly to the most vulnerable population.”

This funding will target the most urgent humanitarian needs of over 10,000 affected families, with a focus on shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene, and non-food items. As the damage to vital camp infrastructures is extensive, with almost total destruction of hospitals, health centres, distribution centres, water network, learning centres and other key infrastructure in the most affected camps, this emergency support is an immediate first response.