Dhaka, 13 January 2026 – The United Nations has welcomed a contribution of USD 2.9 million from the Government of Sweden to support the SAFE+2 (Safe Access to Fuel and Energy Plus, Phase 2) programme, aimed at strengthening safe access to fuel and clean energy for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar. The funding will support life-saving activities and promote green energy solutions in the refugee camps, particularly by expanding access to clean cooking fuel such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and restoring degraded forest areas. The SAFE+2 programme is jointly implemented by UNHCR, FAO, IOM and WFP in close coordination with the Government of Bangladesh. UNHCR said the contribution comes at a critical time, as humanitarian funding remains under pressure while the needs of Rohingya refugees continue to grow. The programme focuses on reducing dependence on firewood, improving environmental protection, and enhancing the safety and dignity of refugees, especially women and girls who are often exposed to protection risks while collecting fuel. Since the introduction of LPG in the camps in 2018, the SAFE+ initiative has helped shift energy use away from firewood to cleaner and safer alternatives. According to UN agencies, the programme has contributed to the protection of more than 14,500 hectares of forest, reduced environmental degradation, and improved health and safety conditions for refugees and host communities. UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Louise Donovan said that access to clean cooking fuel plays a vital role in ensuring protection and dignity for refugees. “When women and girls no longer need to collect firewood, their safety improves significantly and their daily burden is reduced,” she noted. Sweden’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Nicolas Weeks, emphasized that despite shrinking global humanitarian resources, the contribution reflects Sweden’s continued solidarity with Rohingya refugees and their Bangladeshi hosts. He said the funding would allow refugees to maintain access to clean cooking fuel while preserving forests and supporting a voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable future. With this latest contribution, Sweden’s total support to the SAFE+ initiative and its predecessor SAFE has reached USD 23.5 million, underscoring Sweden’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh. The UN reiterated its appreciation to the Government of Sweden for its continued partnership and emphasized that sustained international support remains essential for Bangladesh’s Rohingya response until a durable solution is achieved.
