Dr Chris James

All learning centres in the Cox’s Bazar Refugee camps have shut down due to funding cuts. The decision was made after finding a shortfall in the funding in June 2025. This has left the refugee children in Coxs Bazar camps in a dire and untenable situation.  The learning centres, which catered for children between 4 –14 were a crucial component in safety and survival as well as being the only learning institutions available. This is a cruel blow to the most innocent and vulnerable members of the Rohingya community.  Children matter! Already, the Rohingya children are suffering from displacement and violence encountered in the Myanmar genocide. Many of the children are experiencing severe trauma and isolation. The education centres were crucial in the healing process for the children. They not only provided learning; they were a safe space where psychological, emotional and physical support was available. The centres offered a sense of normalcy in a very overcrowded and sometimes hostile camp environment. Young children are extremely volatile and react poorly to dramatic and environmental changes, far more so than adults. Young brains are still developing and the children in the camp already bear the scars of war; a second form of displacement is just totally devastating. This shut down is inconsistent with the rules and protocols of the refugee mandates and it violates the international legislation on the Rights of the Child.  Without the centres the children face increased risks of being abducted or abused while playing on the streets.  The camp already has an alarming history of children who go missing and/or who are abused. Agencies and educators consistently emphasise the importance of safety and normalcy in the child’s life, the learning centres were the closest thing the children had to a normal life. For these children, who are already suffering, the need for socialisation is crucial, but it has now been taken away.  The centres provided some comfort in a difficult life. They provided hope for the future. Now this has been taken away! For parents and families, the centres offered some release for what a difficult and painful daily existence. There is no hope anymore for their childrens’ future. Without education in this modern world, there is only poverty and isolation to look forward to. This decision not only impacts the children and families; it has incurred job losses and other forms of disruption in the camp. The opportunity for a better understanding of refugee life has gone. There is no replacement for these devastating losses, and we urge all parties to find a quick solution. (Photo credit Anower Solim).

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CDLMxeEwm

My Name Is Not Forgotten”

By Jony –

A man the world tried to erase

I never wanted my life to be a movie.

I only wanted a little peace.

But life taught me — even peace must be fought for.

I crossed an ocean with no food for 9 days,

thinking maybe a new sunrise waited on the other side.

But what greeted me was a locked room — a detention center.

5 years. No name. No freedom.

And when I finally came back home…

there was no home.

No family waiting. No friends. Only silence.

There was one person… who once brought light into my darkness.

But now even they are quiet.

People say I ask for too much —

but I only ever wanted a place to sleep, a little dignity,

a life where I’m allowed to breathe.

I still stay awake at night

not out of fear,

but because I refuse to give up on my future.

I’m not a burden. I’m not broken.

I am proof that even when the world forgets you — God does not.

My name — has not been erased.

– Jony

A soul the world ignored, but one that still refuses to die.

Fighter Jony”

> Crossed oceans. Survived detention. Still fighting — I am Fighter Jony.

As America and Israel continue their attacks on innocent people, this seemed like an appropriate picture to post.

A four years old Rohingya Child was abducted on last Friday (20th June 2025) from Leda Camp 24 .The abductors demanded one Lakh ransom from the parents for his release.  Unfortunately the parents couldn’t manage the money so afterwards they murdered the innocent Child and his dead was thrown beside the roadside of his area . According to source, his dead body was found today.I wanna say one thing to the guardians of children in Camp , please kindly keep your children around your eyes and aware them not to go far from own areas with strangers to visit and plays . Copied from Facebook 23rd June 2025.

World Refugee Day Observation – 20 June 2025.

On this World Refugee Day, 20 June 2025, the plight of the Rohingya people remains one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time. For over
three decades, registered Rohingya refugees have endured statelessness,
systemic discrimination and forced displacement. Since 1991–92, they have
faced indescribable hardships. The crisis deepened further after the 2017
military crackdown in Myanmar, which forced more than a million Rohingya to
seek refuge in Bangladesh—primarily in the overcrowded camps of Cox’s
Bazar.
Enduring Hardships in Refugee Camps
Life in the camps is marked by multiple severe challenges:
• Food Insecurity:
Due to recent funding shortfalls, the UN World Food Programme now provides
monthly food rations of only $12.50 per person—equivalent to around 1,400 to
1,500 Bangladeshi Taka. This tiny amount is insufficient to sustain an
individual for an entire month, leading to worsening malnutrition in the world’s
largest refugee settlement.
• Healthcare Deficiencies:
Medical services remain inadequate. Many refugees lack access to essential
treatment. The reduction in aid has further strained healthcare facilities,
putting vulnerable populations—especially the elderly—at grave risk. Sadly,
some refugees die from chronic and critical illnesses or diseases due to lack
of timely care and adequately.
• Educational Barriers:
Access to formal, accredited education remains absent. While NGOs and
INGOs operate some learning centers, these facilities often lack resources
and trained educators. As a result, the educational development of Rohingya
children remains severely stunted. The formal education is a burning question
in the camps nowadays. It’s too late. Offer formal education to Refugees kids
who are passing lazy times with mobile phones and committing unnecessary
tasks and involve in crimes around.
Ongoing Persecution in Myanmar
The conditions in Myanmar’s Rakhine State continue to deteriorate:
• Arakan Army Atrocities:
The Arakan Army (AA) has been accused of committing grave human rights
abuses against the Rohingya, including extortion, arbitrary detention, and
violent attacks. Reports have emerged of Rohingya civilians being killed and
forcibly displaced, worsening the already dire situation. And still continues.
• Forced Displacements:
Military operations have led to the destruction of villages, further
displacement, and mass exoduses. Thousands have fled to neighboring
countries or embarked on dangerous sea journeys to places like Thailand,
Malaysia, and Indonesia in search of safety and security of better lives.
Calls for Justice and Repatriation
The Rohingya community continues to advocate for:
• Safe and Dignified Repatriation:
A return to their homeland with full rights, safety, and recognized citizenship.
• Accountability:
International legal action against those responsible for crimes against
humanity, war crimes including Myanmar’s military leaders.
• Inclusive Governance:
Recognition of the Rohingya as equal stakeholders in Rakhine State, with a
voice in political processes and future governance. It’s ever lasting process of
durable solution which is lies in the shared shoulder of Myanmar.
International Response and Solidarity
Global leaders and humanitarian organizations have voiced concern:
• UN Involvement:
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for increased humanitarian
aid and sustained dialogue with all parties to ensure the protection of
Rohingya rights.
• Humanitarian Appeals:
There is a growing call for renewed international support to bridge funding
gaps that threaten essential services in the refugee camps.
On this World Refugee Day, the international community must reaffirm its
commitment to the Rohingya people. Their rights must be respected, their
voices heard, and their suffering acknowledged. Only through justice,
inclusion, and sustained global solidarity can we hope to achieve lasting
peace, security and regional stability at large.
The writer is Md. Rahim Ullah
LL.B (Hons) & LL.M
International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC)
You can reach @ rahimiiuc2014@yahoo.com.

Students from Dhaka University’s Department of Law and International Relations visited the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, after completing the certificate course on Refugee Law and International Protection facilitated by UNHCR Bangladesh.

They met with Rohingya students and discussed about their educational experiences, before visiting a community-based protection hubs where they learned how legal aid and refugee paralegals support access to justice.

They also joined discussions with legal and community groups to understand grassroots protection activities and community engagement.

The programme also included meeting with refugee women and youths taking part in skills development activities, such as production of reusable sanitary napkins for humanitarian assistance, mechanic or repair of solar panels.

United Nations in Bangladesh

Rohingya Response ISCG Cox’s Bazar

Copied from Facebook.

 Nsrs Rohimullah is with   Craig Foster.

I’m S RH Shofique, a young Rohingya  activist committed to raising awareness about the struggles, rights, and voices of the Rohingya people. I am part of  a new generation of leaders  who strive for justice, dignity, and peace for our community. I was born in Rakhine State, Myanmar, but I was forced to flee my homeland due to persecution. I’ve spent most of my life in the world’s largest Refugee Camps-Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh.

The Rohingya Crisis:

Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh face serious challenges, including overcrowding, lack of basic services, health risks, and limited access to education and livelihood opportunities. These difficulties are worsened by the fragile state of shelters, especially during the monsoon season.  Added to this, there has been a rise in violence and insecurity within the camps in recent times.  The forced displacement of Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar to Bangladesh  presents urgent humanitarian issues that demand a multifaceted solution. At the core of the crisis lies the Rohingya’s statelessness and persecution in Myanmar, which has led to large-scale displacement and immense suffering. The solution must prioritize the Rohingya’s rights, dignity, and safety, including voluntary, and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.   The root cause of the crisis must be addressed. The Rohingya crisis is deeply complex. The humanitarian emergency is rooted in a long history of discrimination and fueled by ongoing human rights violations. Addressing this crisis requires tackling the root causes of the statelessness and marginalization. The Rohingya  are not recognized as citizens of Myanmar so their ability to rebuild their lives with dignity and security doesn’t exist. The statelessness of the Rohingya is a central issue in their ongoing crisis.

It is crucial to empower the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh through education, vocational training, and livelihood opportunities. This reduces their dependence on aid and prepares them for a safe return in the future. The Rohingya are a predominantly a Muslim ethnic minority who have lived in Myanmar for hundreds of years. They have been denied citizenship in Myanmar, making them stateless and leading to systemic discrimination and persecution.

Strengthen Protection and Resilience: The refugee camps in Bangladesh face numerous security threats, including violence between groups and the risk of exploitation and trafficking. There is an urgent need to strengthen the protection and resilience of Rohingya refugees, especially for women, children, and vulnerable individuals, by addressing gender-based violence, exploitation and ensuring child protection. Refugees also face limited opportunities to earn a living, contributing to food insecurity and financial instability.

My activism is not just about survival- it’s about building a future where Rohingya youth are empowered, educated, and equipped to shape their own destinies. I work to amplify the voices of the unheard, to bring global attention to the plight of the Rohingya people, and to ensure that our generation is not lost to the shadows of injustice.

Ashes in the Wind: How Fire Is Quietly Consuming the Lives of Rohingya Refugees in Cox’s Bazar.

By Anower Solim | Photograph by Anower Solim.

In the winding alleys of the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, the word home carries no warmth. It’s not a place of comfort but a fragile structure of bamboo, tarpaulin, and constant fear. Here, fire doesn’t just destroy shelters. It devours childhoods, memories and the last threads of dignity.

In recent years, Camps 1, 5 and 8 have been engulfed by recurring fires, each blaze more brutal than the last. The ashes they leave behind are not just remnants of structures, but the quiet burial of dreams never allowed to take shape.

Aftermath in Ashes – Sunset Over Camp 1.
As the sun dips low behind the hills of Camp 1, its golden light brushes over the blackened earth. Silhouettes of survivors move slowly through the wreckage, some searching for belongings, others just standing still stunned by the silence that follows a fire.

Women Salvaging Burnt Rice.
In a corner of what used to be a kitchen, women kneel in the ashes, their fingers slowly sifting through burnt rice. Their eyes tired but steady, speak of a pain too familiar. These images are not just of grief, but of survival, steeped in quiet resilience.

Children’s classrooms were reduced to smoke and rubble. The few books that survived were half-burnt and unreadable. Yet, within hours, Rohingya youth volunteers and emergency workers were already helping the wounded, distributing plastic sheets, and organizing shelters from nothing.

Camp 1: A Fire on a Day of Peace (December 25, 2024).

It was Christmas Day, a holiday for many, a day of rest for some,  but peace didn’t last long. A sudden stove explosion around noon triggered a firestorm in Camp 1 that claimed two lives, injured several others, and destroyed over 500 homes.

Mass Displacement After Fire.
Thousands stood under a harsh winter sun, clutching pots, buckets, and rolled-up mats, the only items they could carry before the fire consumed everything else. Their eyes, wide with disbelief, turned empty fields into emergency homes.

This wasn’t the first time a fire had caused damage, and they feared it wouldn’t be the last.

Camp 5: A Winter Morning Torn Apart (January 7, 2024).

It began before dawn on a cold January morning when most were still wrapped in blankets, whispering morning prayers or lost in sleep. Within minutes, flames tore through the narrow paths of Camp 5, fueled by dry tarpaulin, gusts of wind, and helplessness. Nearly 1,000 shelters turned to soot. More than 5,000 lives were displaced in one cruel sweep.

Camp 8: The Fire the Camp Will Never Forget (March 22, 2021)

The 2021 blaze in Camp 8 was apocalyptic in scale. It swept through entire blocks, jumping over narrow lanes like a beast with no end in sight. By the time the last flames were put out, 17,000 shelters were gone. Nearly 50,000 people had lost their homes. Fifteen lives were confirmed lost. Four hundred were never found.

It was a catastrophe that made global headlines for a moment, but not enough to change the future. Humanitarian groups called it a camp-wide emergency. Survivors called it another beginning from zero.

To this day, many still sleep in makeshift shelters, their previous lives buried beneath unmarked ashes.

A Crisis Repeating Itself

These fires are not random accidents. From 2021 to 2022 alone, more than 200 separate fire incidents were recorded across the camps. In many cases, suspicions of arson lingered, but rarely were investigations followed through. Overcrowded shelters, cooking in unsafe conditions, flammable construction materials and a severe lack of firefighting resources have created a tinderbox waiting to ignite.

What’s most heartbreaking is the sheer predictability of it all. Everyone knows it will happen again. And yet, the world watches in silence.

Hope Among Ruins

Walk through the aftermath of any fire in the camps and you’ll find more than ruins. You’ll find people rebuilding. Children drawing letters on the ground where classrooms once stood. Men collecting bent tin sheets to reshape. Women sharing what little food remains with others who lost more.

There is sorrow in every corner, but also a quiet defiance. The Rohingya are not only survivors of fire, but they are also the survivors of abandonment, of erasure and of silence. And still, they rise up brave and confident.

Conclusion:  We Burn and Still the World Is Silent.

Each time the flames return, the Rohingya are reminded that they are still stateless, still unwanted, still unseen and unheard. Fires don’t just consume shelters. They consume the illusion that someone, somewhere, might intervene.

These fires speak for the forgotten. They cry out for justice, for protection, for dignity. But, more often than not, their voices are lost in the smoke.

Before the next fire writes another tragedy, it’s time for the international community to stop offering condolences and start offering action. The Rohingya don’t need more sympathy. They need safety. The need help.