Dhaka: Switzerland has reiterated its commitments to support Bangladesh and provide humanitarian assistance in view of the Rohingya crisis saying the challenges they witness here are unprecedented in nature.

The delegate of the Swiss Government for Humanitarian Aid and Deputy Director General of Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Ambassador Manuel Bessler conveyed Switzerland’s position on Monday.

Bessler is currently in Bangladesh on a five-day visit to obtain a first-hand impression of the latest influx of the displaced Rohingya population into Cox’s Bazar and the related humanitarian crisis, reports the UNB.

He has already visited a number of Rohingya settlements in Cox’s Bazar and met with relevant stakeholders during the trip.

The Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh René Holenstein accompanied Bessler during the visit to the settlements.

‘Switzerland is deeply concerned about the current humanitarian crisis,’ Bessler said while visiting a Rohingya settlement of new arrivals in Palong Khali.

‘The challenges I witness here are unprecedented in nature. Therefore, it is very important to devise a well-coordinated response by all actors and extend their support to all those in need, including the local communities.’ He said.

Bessler said he was concerned about the risks that the most vulnerable groups of the displaced Rohingyas - like unaccompanied children - faced and underlined that impartial humanitarian assistance and the protection for those in need - wherever they are - was of utmost priority.

Switzerland has committed to contribute 1.8 million Swiss Francs (approximately Tk 150.5 million) in emergency humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya arrivals through the Humanitarian Aid Unit of SDC.

Out of this contribution, 1 million Swiss francs is being channelled through UNHCR and IOM to provide life-saving support and respond to the immediate needs of the new arrivals. Switzerland is exploring opportunities to channel CHF 800’000 through International NGOs operating in Cox’s Bazar.

Additional funds are currently being mobilized, said the Swiss Embassy in Dhaka.