Bangladesh Crisis Response Plan 2025

Year

CRP last updated: March 24 2025

$137,083,285

Funding required

1,260,400

People Targeted

181

Entities targeted

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IOM Vision

Aligned with IOM’s Strategic Plan 2024-2028, IOM will continue to support the Government and vulnerable populations and foster resilience. In 2025, this will include the provision of lifesaving support to the Rohingya, with priorities including ensuring dignity, safety, and protection, while delivering quality services based on community feedback. Additionally, IOM will support vulnerable host community members and address the environmental impact of the refugee influx. IOM will further support efforts to cope with the effects of climate change and natural hazards across Bangladesh, recognized as drivers of displacement and migration. With a significant Bangladeshi diaspora, IOM will continue to offer a range of assistance in the event of crisis.

IOM Cash-for-Work volunteers actively contribute to site development through watershed management construction at Camp 13 © IOM Bangladesh / Hossain Ahammod Masu 2024

INFORM Risk	5.8, High
INFORM Severity	4, High
Human Development Index (UNDP)	129 of 193

Climate change and natural hazards are driving displacement and migration as populations adapt to its effects, with 'climate migration' becoming a pressing global issue. Bangladesh, ranked the ninth most climate-vulnerable country by the World Risk Index 2023, faces heightened challenges due to environmental changes. The 710 km coastal belt, spanning 19 districts, is particularly prone to salinity intrusion, cyclones, and storm surges, exacerbating poverty-driven migration. In May 2024, Cyclone Remal made landfall, resulting in severe flooding impacting some 18 million people. These events drive humanitarian needs and test the resilience of vulnerable communities. Northern regions experience drought and freshwater scarcity, while riverbank and coastal erosion displace populations nationwide. Climate migration in Bangladesh is primarily internal, involuntary, and directed toward urban centers such as capital city Dhaka. Recognizing these challenges, IOM Bangladesh aims to support the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) in addressing the intersection of climate change and human mobility to foster sustainable solutions.

Furthermore, over one million Rohingya refugees reside in Cox’s Bazar, the world’s largest refugee settlement, where they face daily challenges across 33 densely populated camps. Despite ongoing humanitarian assistance from the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and the international community, the complex needs are immense, and durable solutions remain uncertain. A surge in new arrivals of Rohingya from Myanmar, which started in August 2024 and continued, has further strained available resources and capacities in the camps.

Dependent on aid, the Rohingya face restrictions that limit their movement, access to work, and housing outside the camps, leading to vulnerabilities such as irregular migration and trafficking. The crisis, now protracted, affects not only the refugees but also the environment and local communities. The rapid influx of people has strained resources, amplified waste management issues, and heightened climate-related vulnerabilities within Cox’s Bazar. Host communities, especially in Ukhiya and Teknaf, also bear the long-term socioeconomic impact of this crisis, requiring sustained support to ease the pressure on livelihoods and resources.

Compounding these challenges is climate change, which intensifies risks like such as flooding, cyclones, and sea-level rise, with environmental degradation worsening the threats to the well-being of the refugees and their host communities. Women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities face heightened vulnerabilities, such as limited mobility during evacuations, increased risks of gender-based violence, and reduced access to essential resources and services, further exacerbating their hardships. Adaptation strategies and international collaboration are essential to mitigate these impacts and ensure more sustainable living conditions.

While international stakeholders continue to promote solutions within Myanmar to facilitate the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of the Rohingya, the situation remains precarious. Reduced funding for humanitarian aid exacerbates the hardships, leaving the refugees in Bangladesh largely dependent on limited external support. Long-term responses must consider the needs of both the Rohingya and their host communities, prioritizing resilience, conflict sensitivity, environmental sustainability, and development to address this enduring crisis effectively.

Since 1971, over 17 million Bangladeshis haves migrated internationally to more than 168 countries for employment. In many cases migrants are vulnerable to wage exploitation, trafficking, high migration cost, risk of losing regular status, limited consular support, with little to no access to social security schemes. In case of disaster and conflict in countries of destination, Bangladeshi nationals who choose to return to Bangladesh or are forced to do so, faces vulnerabilities in terms of mental health, economic conditions, indebtedness, etc.

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As a co-chair of the Strategic Executive Group (SEG), alongside the UN Resident Coordinator and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Representative, IOM supports the overall structure and provides strategic level guidance and oversight of the Rohingya Refugee Response. The SEG further supports the Inter- Sector Coordination Group (ISCG) at the field level in Cox’s Bazar to ensure a cohesive and efficient response, broad humanitarian access, a common analysis of needs and a unified voice for the refugees and affected host communities.

At the sectorial coordination level, IOM plays pivotal roles, co-leading the Site Management and Site Development (SMSD) sector and the Shelter and Non-Food Items (S/NFI) sector with UNHCR. IOM also co-chairs the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Network, the Anti-Trafficking Working Group, the Health Sector Emergency Preparedness and Response Technical Committee (EPR TC), and the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Working Group (MHPSS WG), and the Macro-Site Planning Taskforce in Cox’s Bazar. IOM plays a key role in the Age and Disability WG, the Access WG, Emergency and Preparedness WG, and the Energy and Environment Network. IOM’s Crisis Response Plan for 2025 reflects the IOM-led initiatives and activities included in the Bangladesh 2025 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis, developed under the coordination of the ISCG, and the overall leadership of the Government of Bangladesh.  

Beyond the Rohingya Refugee Response, IOM also co-chairs the Displacement Management Cluster (DMC) with Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR). The cluster was formed in 2020 to ensure access to coordinated and effective multi-sectoral assistance and protection for internally displaced populations in evacuation shelters and other communal settings, and to support the actualization of durable solutions. Furthermore, IOM engages in the UN Country Team (UNCT) and Durable Solutions WG, advocating for comprehensive approaches that bridge immediate aid with longer-term resilience for refugees and host communities. In line with the objectives of the Bangladesh UN Network on Migration, IOM leads coordination and, supports migration governance, including addressing irregular migration trends, particularly risky sea journeys.

Furthermore, in July 2020, the Camp Coordination and Camp Management Cluster (CCCM) was set up in Bangladesh as the Displacement Management Cluster (DMC) based on the national context, and is co- led by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) and IOM. Humanitarian assistance activities for disaster response are implemented in cluster mode under the leadership of the Government of Bangladesh. Humanitarian Coordination Task Team (HCTT) is the pre-eminent coordination platform established to strengthen the collective capacity of government, national and international actors to ensure effective humanitarian preparedness for, response to, and recovery from the impacts of disaster in Bangladesh.

For emergency evacuation of Bangladeshi migrants, IOM acts responding to specific request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Government of Bangladesh and its work is coordinated across different government authorities responsible for law and order, civil registry and immigration and border management.

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IOM has maintained an established presence in Bangladesh since 1998, when it opened its Dhaka office primarily focused on policy, strategy, and operational planning in migration management.

In 2013, IOM’s mandate expanded to include humanitarian assistance for displaced Rohingya fleeing from Myanmar, evolving further in 2017 when over 700,000 Rohingya refugees crossed into Cox's Bazar. To meet the needs of this mass influx, IOM scaled up its operations to provide shelter, health services, demographic analysis, and services mapping. Through its programmes, IOM supports Rohingya refugees and affected host community members residing in the Ukhiya and Teknaf Upazilas of Cox’s Bazar District.

Currently, IOM manages 17 out of 33 camps within its Area of Responsibility (AoR) in Cox’s Bazar. IOM’s programmatic units play leading roles in sector coordination, specialized working groups, and task forces, contributing to all areas of the humanitarian response. Protection-based interventions focus on addressing vulnerabilities, safeguarding rights, and promoting the safety and dignity of affected populations, particularly women and children.

IOM Bangladesh leverages its strengths in direct implementation alongside partnerships with local actors, prioritizing localization as most implementing partners are local or national non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Beyond the Rohingya response, IOM addresses migration governance, counter-trafficking, climate displacement and labour mobility, contributing to development and policy frameworks. Through a conflict-sensitive approach and a strong emphasis on community engagement, IOM’s interventions foster resilience, social cohesion, and sustainable outcomes. These efforts reinforce IOM’s role as a critical partner in addressing both humanitarian and migration challenges in Bangladesh. IOM also has longstanding experience and demonstrated capability to organize movements of large number of people and support returnees with integrated reintegration services.

As climate migration is a cross-cutting issue where coordination with a number of public entities key, IOM works closely with a number of government agencies at the central and field levels, including the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Local Government Division, Ministry of Expatriate’s Welfare and Overseas Employment (MoEWOE) and their sub ordinate organizations.

The Rohingya humanitarian response in Bangladesh is led and coordinated by the Government of Bangladesh, through the National Task Force (NTF). The NTF is chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and provides oversight and strategic guidance for the overall response along with all relevant government entities including ministries, departments, the armed forces and intelligence agencies. The Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), is responsible for the management and day-to-day supervision of the Rohingya refugee response.

For the humanitarian sector, strategic leadership is provided by the SEG, co-chaired by the IOM Chief of Mission, the UNHCR Representative, and the UN Resident Coordinator. This group engages with the Government of Bangladesh at the national level, liaising with the NTF and key ministries and departments. The SEG includes a broad representation from UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the donor community, and it coordinates closely with the NTF on all response-related matters.

At the field level in Cox’s Bazar, IOM co-leads the ISCG through multiple staff roles. The ISCG Secretariat’s Principal Coordinator ensures effective coordination of the response and liaison with government authorities. The ISCG regularly convenes meetings, bringing together Heads of UN agencies, representatives from international and Bangladeshi NGOs active in the response, and donor community members based in Cox’s Bazar. These meetings ensure intersectoral coordination and facilitate regular sector meetings with the RRRC, who serves as the government’s representative on the ground.

Government of Bangladesh also often approaches IOM to support repatriation of Bangladeshi nationals stranded in countries with conflict. As an example, IOM supported evacuation and repatriation of 1062 Bangladeshi nationals from Sudan in 2023 due to the civil war in 2023 and 1279 Bangladeshi nationals from Lebanon in 2024, also due to war. Such situations lead to vulnerabilities related to mental health, economic conditions and in some cases, specific health risks.

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Impact story

Kamal Hossain's new home ©IOM 2025/Hossain Ahammod Masum

Protection from recurring disasters

Kamal Hossain, a 34-year-old Rohingya refugee living in Cox’s Bazar, faced a series of devastating setbacks in mid-2024. On May 24th, a fire destroyed his shelter, leaving Kamal, his wife, and their three children homeless, with most of their belongings destroyed. The fire affected some 1,100 refugees, severely damaging infrastructure and community facilities. Unbelievably, Kamal and his community were struck by a cyclone days later and then by a second fire. Each time, IOM responded swiftly, providing emergency shelter kits, household items, and technical support to help families recover. In 2024, IOM introduced lime-stabilized soil shelters, an innovative, sustainable housing solution which reduces the impacts of fires, cyclones, and monsoon rains. Kamal and his family are among the 145 families who have benefited from these new shelters since December 2024, providing long term protection from these recurring disasters.

Key Operating Modalities

Cross-cutting priorities

Localization

In line with the Migration Crisis Operational Framework (MCOF) Addendum 2021 and the Grand Bargain commitments, IOM prioritizes localization by advancing community-centred and inclusive approaches across its response in Bangladesh and Cox’s Bazar. IOM continues its engagement with key local non-government stakeholders in Bangladesh that are active in the migration-climate change nexus field, including the 42 members of the Displacement Management Cluster (DMC).

Guided by IOM’s Localization Framework, this involves fostering robust partnerships and funding mechanisms that empower local actors to co-design, co-implement, and co-evaluate projects, ensuring that interventions are responsive and sustainable.

Capacity- strengthening and mentorship are core components, focusing on equipping local organizations with the skills needed for effective management, project delivery and robust internal controls. Through locally-led coordination, IOM supports community-based planning processes that integrate Rohingya and host communities in meaningful participation, enhancing local ownership and resilience. For example, IOM’s Needs and Population Monitoring Unit is at the forefront of collecting and sharing information with local and national actors (LNAs) while the Communication with Communities Unit continues dialogue with all levels of the beneficiary population. 

Visibility and advocacy efforts further bolster the contributions of local actors, showcasing their role in promoting long-term solutions. To foster sustainable outcomes, IOM is strengthening the capacity of local stakeholders such as Cox’s Bazar headquartered NGOs and civil society organizations (CSOs) to establish locally-driven and sustainable response strategies that address emerging challenges and adapt to community needs. Funding requirements for these localization initiatives are embedded within relevant Activity Areas to ensure aligned resources for partnership development, training, and local engagement efforts.

This approach not only aligns with donor priorities and the GCRP 2025 but strengthens IOM’s operational framework, ensuring that the Rohingya response remains community-focused and locally-led.

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Objective 1

Saving lives
Objective 2

Solutions to displacement

Saving lives and protecting people on the move

$105,989,175

Funding required

1,168,900

People Targeted

131

Entities Targeted

Primary target groups

Internally displaced person

Local population / community

Refugee

International migrant

The humanitarian response will provide critical life-saving support to Rohingya refugees and vulnerable members of the host community to alleviate human suffering. The assistance will focus on ensuring that crisis-affected populations have access to essential services and minimum living conditions, with an emphasis on reducing barriers for marginalized and vulnerable individuals. These include female or child-headed households, survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), children at risk, victims of trafficking (VOTs), older persons, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). By addressing both immediate and long-term needs, the support will also seek to promote recovery, wellbeing and resilience for these individuals. It aims to provide not just temporary relief, but also foster longer-term stability, helping vulnerable groups rebuild their lives with dignity. This comprehensive approach ensures that humanitarian efforts are conflict-sensitive, inclusive and equitable, leaving no one behind on the path to recovery.

Disaster affected populations including displaced populations will also receive life-saving shelter, and WASH assistance. At the same time, real time and periodic data about displacement would be made available to government and other humanitarian and development actors.

Further, IOM will support emergency evacuation and repatriation of Bangladeshi nationals in countries with conflict, at the request of the GoB. Such support will be complemented by onward transportation allowance, need -based mental health and health support, and economic reintegration.

Driving solutions to displacement

$31,094,110

Funding required

693,868

People Targeted

Entities Targeted

Primary target groups

Internally displaced person

Local population / community

Refugee

The intended outcomes focus on strengthening community and government resilience to climate-related, environmental, and multi-hazard risks, including health emergencies that negatively impact mobility and livelihoods within the camps and host communities. Planned activities will enhance disaster preparedness by promoting community-based adaptation strategies and fostering disaster risk reduction practices for the host community. A specific focus on livelihood activities will be directed toward both refugee camps and the host community, aiming to improve self-reliance and reduce vulnerabilities. For disaster displaced and affected communities, market-driven livelihoods assistance will be implemented to put the vulnerable population on durable solutions pathways, strengthening resilience by integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR), livelihoods, and cultural preservation to mitigate displacement and climate risks. This includes MHPSS-informed site planning and management across key sectors such as site management and development, WASH, protection, health, and education.

Long term outcomes

Objective 1

Saving lives and protecting people on the move

$105,989,175

Funding required

Objective 2

Driving solutions to displacement

$31,094,110

Funding required

Percentage of funding required contributing to the long term outcomes expressed on IOM's Strategic Results Framework.

A Rohingya woman receives her Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply, supported by IOM’s Cash-for-Work volunteers © IOM Bangladesh / Hossain Ahammod Masu 2024

Activity areas

Camp coordination and camp management

$18,455,912 Funding required

Related inter agency plans JRP

$18,455,912

Funding required

Related inter agency plans

JRP

IOM’s Site Management and Site Development (SMSD) work aims to enhance coordination, access and safety, accountability to affected populations and community engagement within refugee camps, fostering resilience and preparedness against natural hazards. Through strengthened site management, infrastructure improvements, and active community participation supported with a two-way communication approach, IOM is committed to improving living conditions and supporting self-reliance among Rohingya refugees.

Service Coordination and Site Management Support:

Enhance coordination among service providers by implementing service monitoring to address gaps and avoid duplication.

Provide coordination support to Camp in Charge office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) by addressing community needs and requests while creating a coordination link between service providers and the community.

Undertake data and information management and dissemination to both service providers and community members.

Strengthen multi-hazard emergency preparedness for monsoon and cyclone seasons with comprehensive information-sharing and disaster management support at the camp level.

Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP):

Promote AAP principles through community-led programming, and youth engagement.

Strengthen community feedback mechanisms through a robust two-way approach supported by global feedback processing applications such as the Zite Manager.

Foster inclusive site development planning with input from women, vulnerable groups, and persons with disabilities.

Community Participation and Empowerment:

Support inclusive participation via age-gender-disability groups by facilitating regular community meetings and needs driven- public dialogues to harness local knowledge.

Conduct Women’s Participation initiatives to encourage women’s engagement by facilitating regular meetings and training sessions to empower women , ensuring their voices are included in decision-making and programme design.

Engage youth and empower committees to ensure representative governance, while facilitating referral services and cash-for-work opportunities for vulnerable households. Foster effective communication with communities through seasonal and issue-tailored specific messaging and information- sharing.

Access and Safety:

Improve camp infrastructure, including roads, pathways, and staircases, to mitigate hazards and enhance access.

Install solar streetlights based on community needs to improve safety.

Capacity Sharing/Training:

Train government staff to support Camp-in-Charges in effective camp management, strengthening long-term capacity.

Training service providers and volunteers on different thematic topics.

Conduct mentorship and coaching of government officials and local partners to enhance sustainability and skills transfer.

Displacement Management:

Data and information management to enhance decision-making and targeting by the government and responders under the Displacement Management Cluster (CCCM) for the rest of the country, which does not include Rohingya-related clusters.

Data for action, insight and foresight

$846,584 Funding required

Related inter agency plans H(N)RP JRP

$846,584

Funding required

Related inter agency plans

H(N)RP JRP

IOM’s Needs and Population Monitoring (NPM) will provide critical data to support evidence-based humanitarian decisions for the Rohingya refugee and host communities in Cox’s Bazar. By tracking needs and vulnerabilities, NPM enables service providers to address key issues and effectively allocate resources.

Thematic Research and Studies:

Conduct sector-specific assessments, in collaboration with key stakeholders to provide evidence-based insights for programming and operational decisions.

Emergency Preparedness and Response:

Conduct joint needs assessments (JNA) for rapid response following large-scale incidents, capturing multi-sectoral needs to guide programming.
Provide technical support and produce daily/weekly incident reports for the Shelter-CCCM sector to support timely, effective responses to weather and man-made incidents.

Inter-Sectoral Needs Assessment (ISNA):

Participate in inter-sector needs assessments to inform the Joint Response Plan (JRP), complementing sector-specific interventions.

Ad-Hoc Services:

Support specific sectors with tailored data to enhance decision-making, including aiding the facility rationalization process.

GIS and Drone Support:

Conduct unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flights for imagery to create maps, monitor site development, and analyze flood/landslide risks, aiding operational planning.

Macro-Site Planning (MSP) Dashboard:

Collaborate with Shelter-CCCM sector to maintain an interactive portal for mapping facilities and infrastructure to ensure coordinated response.

Disaster risk management Priority

$21,762,002 Funding required

Related inter agency plans JRP

$21,762,002

Funding required

Related inter agency plans

JRP

IOM’s initiatives aim to enhance resilience and sustainability among Rohingya refugees and host communities by integrating environmental sustainability with community-led responses.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR):

Implement slope stabilization, drainage improvements, reforestation, and eco-friendly construction to mitigate landslides, erosion, and flooding while using nature-based watershed management to improve soil and water quality.
Explore eco-friendly materials such as lime and other cost-effective solutions for DRR projects.
Install solar-powered streetlights and facilities to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
Provide emergency Shelter and NFI support based on Rapid Damage Verification (RDV) assessments and renovate cyclone shelters to expand capacity for disaster-affected populations.
Reduce flood risks in host communities through watershed management solutions.
Enhance Mobile Medical Teams and Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) with mass casualty training, climate-resilient infrastructure, and solar energy systems.
Distribute early warning systems and search-and-rescue equipment and provide training to build the capacity of disaster management institutions and local communities.

Emergency Preparedness:

Strengthen community-led disaster response systems by training volunteers within prevention, preparedness, and recovery.
Foster first responder networks and improve access routes to enhance firebreaks and disaster response.
Maintain firefighting equipment and preposition emergency stock.
Update multi-hazard preparedness plans for coordinated responses in IOM’s Area of Responsibility.

Health Priority

$16,903,815 Funding required

Related inter agency plans JRP

$16,903,815

Funding required

Related inter agency plans

JRP

IOM aims to enhance essential healthcare access, reducing mortality and morbidity among Rohingya refugees and host communities. IOM will focus on essential health services, emergency response, sexual and reproductive health, community engagement, and health systems strengthening to improve health outcomes and resilience.

Essential Health Services:

Operate 36 health facilities providing a Minimum Package of Essential Health Services, including emergency/outpatient care, immunization, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), mental health, and disease control.
Support early detection, treatment and control of tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C and neglected tropical diseases.

Emergency Referral System:

Maintain a medical referral unit with 14 ambulances and cover referral costs, while supporting secondary hospitals and PHCs for acute cases.

Sexual and Reproductive Health:

Integrate comprehensive SRH services, including emergency obstetric and newborn care services, and strengthen SRH and GBV service integration at health facilities, women and girls safe space (WGSS) and MHPSS centre.

Community Engagement:

Deploy 400 community health workers including SRH referral assistants to promote health and prevent disease, focusing on communicable diseases and strengthen SRH awareness and referrals for facility-based deliveries.

Health Systems Strengthening:

Collaborate with health sector stakeholders and the Government to support staffing, medical supplies, facility renovations and capacity strengthening.

Bhasanchar Response:

Deliver essential health services for the Rohingya refugees through one hospital and one PHC in Bhasanchar.

Livelihoods and economic recovery

$8,117,942 Funding required

Related inter agency plans JRP

$8,117,942

Funding required

Related inter agency plans

JRP

These activities aim to enhance economic resilience of Rohingya and host communities, focusing on skills development, market linkages, and income generation. IOM will focus on the most vulnerable beneficiaries, including women, particularly female-headed households; people with disabilities and impoverished households.

Livelihoods in Camps, Host Communities and Bhashanchar:

Accelerated Adult Learning: Provide accelerated adult learning training followed by vocational training to the Rohingya beneficiaries to equip participants with essential literacy and numeracy skills.
Vocational Training: Provide training in jute and wooden crafts, solar light production, eco-friendly retailing, and organic catering.
Non-formal technical skills: Provide livelihoods skills training to contribute to economic recovery and resilience.
Crop agriculture and fisheries support: Support agriculture and fish production for Rohingya and host community beneficiaries to improve food security and earn income from production.
Productive Asset Support: Offer in-kind materials for refugees and small business grants through self-help groups for host community women to strengthen their income-generating activities.
Market Linkages: Facilitate market integration through wage subsidies, product fairs, and engagement with the private sector to support sustainable income.
Self-Employment Support: Offer business materials to encourage home-based businesses.
Income-Generating Activities: Provide temporary income-generating opportunities to vulnerable populations through cash-for-work activities.

Internal Displacement Management:

Provide skill development, job placement and/or micro business development support to promote market driven livelihoods

Support to vulnerable Bangladeshi returnees:

Economic reintegration support for returning migrants

Mental health and psychosocial support

$2,785,940 Funding required

Related inter agency plans JRP

$2,785,940

Funding required

Related inter agency plans

JRP

IOM’s mental health and psychosocial support initiatives aim to integrate MHPSS services into healthcare facilities and community settings, including by providing assessments, counselling, and support for moderate to severe mental health conditions, with referrals to and from specialized and focused services, support groups, socio-relational activities, creative arts, ritual and celebration activities, sports and play, psycho-education, non-formal learning, and self-awareness sessions, and activities at the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre (RCMC) for the promotion of psychosocial wellbeing among the Rohingya community by preserving their cultural heritage and identity. Additionally, IOM is supporting coordination and capacity-strengthening for communities and stakeholders/partners and is co-chairing MHPSS working group. The MHPSS interventions align with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) MHPSS guidelines in emergency settings, IOM Manual on Community-Based MHPSS in Emergencies and Displacement, and MHPSS minimum services package (MSP) among other guidelines.

Integration of MHPSS Services into Health Facilities: Strengthen delivery of integrated MHPSS services in the health centers and psychosocial centres.

Community-Based MHPSS Activities: Deliver multi-layered MHPSS community-based services (including RCMC) based on the IASC intervention pyramid.

Strengthen resilience: Reduce the adverse impacts of displacement and climate change adversities by mainstreaming MHPSS into DRR approaches, livelihoods, other sectors (CCCM, protection, nutrition, education & health) and preservation of cultural practices

Capacity-Strengthening for Community Ownership: Strengthen capacities of staff, government ministries, religious leaders, local organizations, and representatives from both refugee and host communities

MHPSS Systems Strengthening: Contribute to the coordination of MHPSS Working Group and National MHPSS Taskforce.

Support to vulnerable Bangladeshi returnees: Needs based health and mental health support for vulnerable returning migrants

Protection

$4,259,974 Funding required

Related inter agency plans JRP

$4,259,974

Funding required

Related inter agency plans

JRP

IOM addresses protection threats by identifying risks, understanding root causes, and implementing prevention, mitigation, and response measures. By combining case management, monitoring, capacity-strengthens, advocacy, and prevention, IOM strengthens systems and empowers communities to manage risks. IOM also promotes the rule of law to enhance dignity, safety, and accountability in policing, governance, and justice.

Core Activities:

Case Management: Provide tailored support for persons in need.
Protection Monitoring: Identify risks and trends to inform evidence-based programming.
Capacity-Strengthening: Train police, Camp-in-Charges, and other actors on protection-sensitive approaches.
Advocacy and Policy: Drive inter-agency collaboration through leadership in key working groups, such as Stocktaking on Policing, Peace and Security, and Rule of Law.

Focus Areas:

General Protection (GP): Provide essential case management and protection monitoring with a focus on addressing security concerns and persons with diverse vulnerabilities.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Operate nine WGSS, emergency shelters, and survivor-centred services; mitigating GBV risks and delivering prevention programmes like SASA! Together and Engaging Men through Accountable Practice (EMAP).
Counter-Trafficking: Implement preventative programming and provide comprehensive case management services for Victims of Trafficking
Child Protection: Strengthen community-based mechanisms, offering psychosocial support, and supporting child survivors. Prevent exploitation, ensuring survivor recovery, and promoting accountability.
Protection Research: Generate insights to guide innovative, systemic solutions to protection-related challenges.

Shelter and settlements Priority

$42,326,544 Funding required

Related inter agency plans H(N)RP JRP

$42,326,544

Funding required

Related inter agency plans

H(N)RP JRP

IOM will focus on enhancing resilience and safety for Rohingya refugees and host communities by providing secure, durable shelter solutions and sustainable energy access.

Shelter and Settlement:

Pre-positioning and Distribution of Shelter Materials: Pre-positioning shelter materials to respond to natural hazards and distributing tie-down kits.
Shelter Upgrades and Maintenance: Implement Shelter Upgrades and Maintenance (SUM) and provide training on disaster-resistant shelter techniques.
Piloting of Alternative Techniques: Use lime stabilized soil for shelter construction in the camp.
Regular Repair and Maintenance Support: Continue to provide ongoing Mid-Term Shelter (MTS) repair and maintenance support.
Alternative Construction Materials: Continue treating borak bamboo for shelter programmes.
NFI Assistance: Distribute household items via an e-voucher system, and distribute solar lamps including repair and maintenance support

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG):

LPG Refills: Provide LPG refills for daily cooking needs.
Emergency LPG Support: Provide emergency LPG packages to households affected by sudden-onset disasters or relocations.
Stove Replacement and Repairs: Replace damaged stoves and train community members in stove repair.
Pressure Cooker: Distribute pressure cookers as energy-efficient cooking items and conduct training on cooking practices.
Fire Safety Training: Conduct training on safe cooking practices, supported by safety volunteers and rapid response mechanisms.
Sector Coordination: Appoint focal points to improve emergency response coordination.

Internal Displacement Management:

Provide emergency shelter support, shelter repair and construction support for short term, mid-term and protractedly disaster displaced population

Support services for response actors Priority

$1,791,822 Funding required

Related inter agency plans JRP

$1,791,822

Funding required

Related inter agency plans

JRP

In 2025, IOM will continue supporting the ISCG Secretariat and the Shelter-Camp Coordination and Camp Management (S-CCCM) Sector, providing key operational and administrative assistance. Activities will focus on enhancing decision-making, preparedness, and beneficiary-centered approaches to meet humanitarian needs effectively.

Strategic Executive Group (SEG) and Heads of Sub Office (HoSO) Support:

Provide guidance to the SEG and HoSO on policy, security, and operational issues in Cox’s Bazar, ensuring protection considerations are central to decision-making.

Joint Response Plan (JRP):

Contribute to JRP planning, needs analysis, strategic planning, appeals, monitoring, and reporting to align resources with identified needs.

Access Analysis:

Assess access constraints and engage stakeholders to facilitate smoother humanitarian operations.

Information Management:

Manage data to support informed decision-making, advocacy, and public communication, producing regular information products for sector use.

Beneficiary-Centred Approach:

Collaborate with sectors to improve accountability to affected populations (AAP) and enhance understanding of community needs and preferences.

Networks and Working Groups:

Support networks such as the PSEA, Transfers, Emergency Preparedness, and Information Management Working Groups by providing technical expertise, enhancing coordination, and ensuring effective data management for coordinated response.

Disaster Preparedness:

Support monsoon and cyclone preparedness, ensuring effective contingency planning across sectors.

Water, sanitation and hygiene Priority

$9,525,092 Funding required

Related inter agency plans JRP

$9,525,092

Funding required

Related inter agency plans

JRP

IOM’s WASH aims to enhance inclusive and gender-sensitive access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene promotion for Rohingya refugees and host communities, with a focus on sustainability, community engagement, and strengthened emergency preparedness.

Water Supply and Quality:

Conduct infrastructure expansion, operation and maintenance to ensure the optimal functioning of water supply systems, including piped networks, hand pumps, and solar-powered systems.
Implement water quality monitoring at source and point of use (tap stands and households).
Conduct community engagement on water-related conflicts to improve service delivery (proximity, quantity and quality).

Sanitation and Environmental Management:

Implement WASH facility upgrades ensuring accessibility and inclusion across gender and disability groups.
Conduct Ffecal sludge management.
Conduct solid waste management through reduction, reuse, and recycling.

Hygiene Promotion and Community Engagement:

Distribute hygiene kits and conduct awareness sessions.
Hold interactive sessions for information sharing, user engagement and feedback.
Strengthen capacity of IOM staff, implementing partner staff and relevant community groups.

As the WASH Area Focal Agency (AFA) for seven camps (9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 20/20E):

Coordinate the implementation of WASH activities
Procure and distribute WASH supplies (soaps, menstrual hygiene management (MHM) kits, emergency kits etc.)
Manage contingency stocks and respond to emergencies, e.g. disease outbreaks.
Fill WASH service gaps, monitor programme quality, enforce standards, plan infrastructure, and strengthen local capacities as needed.

Internal Displacement Management:

Provide aquatabs and jerry cans to displaced population, evacuation centres and disaster affected population.

Humanitarian border management and search and rescue

$1,000,000 Funding required

$1,000,000

Funding required

IOM will continue supporting the Government of Bangladesh in enhancing rights-based migration management, focusing on preventing transnational organized crime and bolstering protection of migrants through humanitarian border management. Efforts will center on capacity-strengthening, policy development, and infrastructure strengthening to promote effective, cooperative migration management at both the national and regional levels.

Key Activities Include:

Training for National Authorities: Equip authorities to assess migration flows, implement migration legislation, and provide relevant services, including data collection, screening, identification, and referral for individuals in need of protection.
Strengthening Policy and Procedures: Support the development of policies related to identity verification, temporary entry, health requirements, and counter-trafficking.
Border Operations Support: Facilitate border patrol/rescue missions, conduct joint border patrol exercises, and provide training for border officials on migrant protection and referral.
Humanitarian Access at Borders: Establish standard procedures to streamline the delivery of aid, enabling the secure movement of goods, equipment, and humanitarian workers across the border.