62,000 Rohingya women, youth access safe spaces

More than 62,000 Rohingya refugees and members of host communities - mainly women, girls and young people - have accessed protection and support services through safe spaces established in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.

The support has been delivered under the Switzerland-funded “Rising Together” project implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Bangladesh.

Backed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the initiative in its first year expanded ‘Women’s Friendly Spaces’ and ‘Youth Centres’, offering services related to gender-based violence prevention, sexual and reproductive health, psychosocial care and life skills development, according to a UNFPA press release.

Women and girls received confidential counselling, medical referrals and specialised support services. Youth Centres provided safe environments where young people could learn, build leadership skills and engage in peacebuilding activities through the Youth4Peace curriculum.

“Switzerland’s support is sustaining life-saving services while expanding opportunities for women and young people to lead in their communities,” said Catherine Breen Kamkong, UNFPA representative in Bangladesh. “By investing in safe spaces for women and youth, we are helping communities protect dignity today and build resilience for the future.”

The project aims to strengthen resilience, inclusion and social cohesion among Rohingya and host communities, while addressing and preventing gender-based violence and other safety threats. It also promotes youth leadership and social responsibility.

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“The Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh supports the ‘Rising Together’ initiative to ensure that Rohingya refugees and host communities can access essential protection, health and psychosocial services,” said Diepak Elmer, deputy head of mission and head of cooperation.

The initiative further supports youth-led revitalisation efforts, transforming shared spaces into gardens, libraries and learning corners. Peer-led psychosocial outreach and helpline services are helping reduce stigma around mental health and connect vulnerable individuals to care.

“Peace is when we can smile together without fear. These sessions give us hope,” said a youth participant.

As the programme enters its second year, UNFPA and SDC will continue focusing on community leadership, prevention of child marriage and empowering women and youth as drivers of resilience and positive change.