Dr Chris James

An Appeal for Help.

“We Are a Minority Within a Minority”: Rohingya Christian Leader Faces Death Threats Amid Escalating Persecution in Bangladesh Camps Kutupalong Refugee Camp, Bangladesh –

July 2025 Peter Saiful, a respected Rohingya Christian leader, pastor, and human rights defender, has been living in the Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh since 1992. Born in Myanmar, he and his family fled to Bangladesh amid escalating persecution against the Rohingya Muslim population by the Myanmar military regime. But while many sought refuge, Peter’s struggle continued—as a Christian minority within the already persecuted Rohingya community. Over the past decade, Saiful has become a leading voice for religious freedom and human rights within the camps. Serving as a volunteer pastor, he leads one of the few Christian congregations in the Rohingya refugee population and has become a target for his peaceful advocacy. His dual identity—as both a Rohingya and a Christian—has placed him in an especially vulnerable position, one marked by violence, threats, and isolation. “I have always believed in serving my people, even when some among them reject me for my faith,” Saiful said. “But now, our community is in grave danger.” On January 26, 2020, a violent mob attack by an armed group targeted the Christian community in the camps. Two community members were killed, twelve others seriously injured, and seven women assaulted. One young girl was abducted, forcibly converted, and married to a member of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). Her whereabouts remain unknown. Following the attack, around 25 Christian families, including Saiful’s, were relocated to the UNHCR Transit Center for safety. But the threats never stopped. Since December 2024, a new wave of intimidation has emerged. Fatwas have been issued by religious students in the camp calling for Saiful and other Christian leaders to be killed. Posters circulating within the camp—bearing photos of Peter Saiful and his younger brother, Nur Emmanuel—label them as “missionaries” and call for their beheading. Online hate speech and threats have rapidly spread through social media platforms, further inciting violence. “Armed men now linger near the UNHCR Protection Center,” Saiful said. “I fear for my family’s safety every hour of the day.” Saiful has made repeated appeals to UNHCR protection officers and has filed a General Diary (GD) with local police authorities. Yet, he reports no concrete action has been taken. He also alleges that ARSA commander Osama Ibrahim from Camp 1W has openly threatened to attack the Christian area within the Transit Center and destroy their shelter. While UNHCR legal advisers have recommended that Saiful file a cybercrime case against those spreading hate, he remains conflicted. “As a Christian, I believe in peace and reconciliation. I fear that any legal action might provoke more violence and backlash against our small community.” Human rights advocates such as Burmese activist Wai Wai Nu have spoken publicly about the threats facing Rohingya Christians. However, Peter Saiful continues to appeal to the international community for help—pleading for urgent protection, at least, stronger advocacy. “We are a minority within a minority,” he said. “We need the world to see us, to hear us, and to act before it’s too late.” As of this report, Peter Saiful, his family, and over two dozen other Rohingya Christians remain in the UNHCR Transit Center at Kutupalong, living under constant fear of attack, without a long-term solution in sight.

The threatening poster on display in the camp.

Terrorists in the Cox’s Bazar Refuge Camp .

Terrorists were arrested and weapons seized… Not before time!

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.