1/19/2026
Qatar Charity (QC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU), accompanied by a Data Sharing Addendum, to enhance their joint response to the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
The LoU was signed as part of a broader cooperation framework aimed at strengthening coordination and collaboration between the two organizations, particularly in the areas of shelter and settlement, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid materials and essential services for the most vulnerable refugee populations.
The agreement was signed by Mr. Ivo Freijsen, Representative of UNHCR Bangladesh, and Mr. Zakarya Al Motair, Country Director of Qatar Charity’s Bangladesh Branch.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Ivo Freijsen underscored the growing challenges facing the Rohingya refugee response in the coming year.
“Funding challenges in 2026 are expected to be extremely difficult,” he said. “In this context, strong partnerships with humanitarian organizations like Qatar Charity are more important than ever. Enhanced coordination will allow us to better prioritize life-saving assistance and ensure that limited resources reach those who need them most.”
For his part, Mr. Zakarya Al Motair reaffirmed Qatar Charity’s long-standing commitment to supporting Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
“Qatar Charity remains fully committed to standing with the Rohingya people,” he stated. “This Letter of Understanding opens new opportunities for deeper collaboration with UNHCR to support the most vulnerable refugees who are living in extremely harsh conditions in one of the world’s largest and most congested refugee camps.”
He added that the partnership reflects Qatar Charity’s belief in collective humanitarian action, noting that coordinated efforts are essential to address the complex and protracted nature of the Rohingya crisis.
Qatar Charity has been continuing its humanitarian support for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar since 2017 and expanded its assistance to Bhasan Char in 2021. Its multi-sectoral interventions are designed to improve living conditions and uphold the dignity of refugees, with a focus on shelter and settlement, emergency relief, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), school feeding, and healthcare services in both camp and relocation settings.
Through these sustained humanitarian efforts, Qatar Charity has been addressing urgent life-saving needs while also supporting longer-term well-being and resilience among displaced communities.
Last year, Qatar Charity’s humanitarian interventions in Bangladesh benefited 467,076 Rohingya refugees, contributing to improved safety, health, and protection for one of the world’s most vulnerable refugee populations.