July 1, 2023
A word from us... Hi and welcome to Rohingya Stories Volume 5! This issue is about refugees and agencies trying to change how the largest and probably the most persecuted stateless community in the world is perceived by others – and more importantly, by its own members. We've spoken to many refugees in Bangladesh and India, and their stories are compelling. As the camps celebrated the spirit of sacrifice on Eid Ul Adha (June 29, 2023) we asked several women changemakers in the camps in and around Delhi. What had adversity taught them? Their answers give reason for hope: displacement, violence, insecurity and dependence on aid has taught them to value education, raise their voices against oppression and most of all, aspire to raise independent, empowered daughters... The museum of memories Centre in Balukhali Bazar, Bangladesh, it is as if the Rohingya way of life -- their culture, craft, heritage and tradition -- has come to life. Conceived by the International Organisation for Migration, the Rohingya community, and architect Rizvi Hassan, it has become a vibrant hub for refugees in one of the largest Rohingya camps in Bangladesh. "We had almost forgotten our old life, the old things that gave us joy and kept us together," says Usman, a Rohingya refugee who lives nearby. "This centre has revived those memories. Yes, they are sad, sometimes painful... but it is important to remember." Carefully researched and curated by Rohingya refugee artists, artisans and cultural practitioners living in the camps of Cox`s Bazar, the collection of artefacts and artworks encapsulate the spirit of the community. "These objects are our identity," Usman says. "Our children may never see their homeland, but at least they can see their culture here." Indeed, the centre, which opened in 2021, has already What I've learnt from adversity... Rohingya Stories talked to Rohingya women in different camps in and around Delhi, each of whom is inspirational in her own right. Common to them all, is the theme that the adversities they have faced, have taught them a good deal about life... . "I want to become a human rights lawyer..." Miksalmina Begum, 22, goes to a bridge school every day in the Rohingya camp in Haryana, with her books, pen and... believe it or not, 4-month-old baby Pakeeza! “I came to India in 2012, and had only completed class seven when I was married and when our three children arrived in quick succession, studies took a back seat. But I have dreams too! I want to not only complete my schooling but become a human rights lawyer to work for my community! And I'll make sure that my three little daughters get the education -- and the freedom to follow their dreams -- that they deserve!” Miksalmina's favourite subject is Maths, and she's inspiring many other young women in her camp to resume their studies. "My daughters will be free..." 23 year old Tasmida Begum lives in the Rohingya waste pickers' camp in rural Faridabad, Haryana. Her experiences have shown her the urgent need to educate Rohingya girls, and the perils of underage marriage. "I was married at 16 and forced to drop out after completing class four. Soon after my first child was born, I was forced to seek divorce , as my husband was very abusive. Without any qualifications, I was so insecure and underconfident! How would I support my child and myself as a single parent?” Tasmida has since remarried, has two more girls and is committed to empowering them. “I'll not only ensure they study, and get married only after they turn 18,” she says. "I dream of my daughter leading our Rohingya community!" Many in the Rohingya Camp in Kalindi Kunj, Delhi, ask Taslima Begum why she has not had her 19- year-old daughter Mizan married yet. Her answer is amazing! "We have to fight for our rights..." Sabera Khatoon, 28, filed a plea in Delhi High Court that the facilities in the government-run Rohingya detention centres are inadequate. "My sister was detained in 2020, though she had a UNHCR card, infant son and no criminal record! When I manage to meet her, she complains they don't get basic amenities like winter clothes, blankets and even proper medical care!" in Delhi be inspected. "I've learnt it is important to fight for our rights..." she says. . "Rohingya girls should get more chances in life!" Hafsa Begum (22) was studying in class seven when her studies came to a halt and she was married at 16. She has three children today, and is a busy social health worker with UNHCR. "I monitor the health of women and children in my camp in Shaheen Bagh (Delhi) and when needed, translates their medical issues to external doctors. More than a language issue, I feel that Rohingya women don't feel comfortable talking to strangers about their intimate health issues. I feel that I'm able to at least ensure they have access to proper medicines and support. I want to do what I can to ensure other girls get more chances in life that I did!” "Our lives were saved by humanitarian action, now we want to give back..." 56 year old Amina Khatoon fled to India via Bangladesh in 2012 with her family. With great difficulty, her husband and she educated their children and she even saved enough money to buy two gold bangles. A gall bladder surgery forced her to sell one bangle. When an earthquake rocked Turkey and Syria in February 2023, something stirred within her. “As a Rohingya, I know what it means to lose everything, to be helpless. When I heard about the earthquake victims, I decided to sell my remaining bangle to send them aid. As refugees, our lives have been saved by humanitarian action – now I want to do what we can to give back...” A new Rohingya vision Rohingya Vision TV is the world’s first Rohingya satellite TV channel -- a watchdog, translator and amplifier of the voices of the largest stateless and displaced community in the world. “In the past 35 years, we have gone from a people with a sense of belonging and security in our homeland, to a people who are now called ‘the world’s most persecuted minority’,” says Malaysia-based Muhammad Noor, co- founder of Rohingya Vision TV and Rohingya Project, which uses technology to work on financial and social inclusion of the community. rendered unfindable.” media projects and the humanitarian need to
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