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.