Ahead of the upcoming UN high-level international conference on the Rohingya issue scheduled for September 30 at United Nations headquarters in New York, Rohingya refugees staged a significant rally on Saturday in Camp no. 13 of Balukhali, located at Palongkhali union of Ukhiya upazila in Cox’s Bazar district.
The rally aimed to draw attention to the continued injustice and human rights violations against the Rohingya people, including mass killings, forced displacement, rape, denial of basic freedoms and discriminatory laws still enforced in Myanmar.
Presided over by Master Syed Ullah from Camp no. 15, Rohingya community leaders emphasized that UN conference must highlight the brutalities committed by both Myanmar military and Arakan Army (AA).
They urged the international community to take concrete and effective actions to ensure justice, accountability and protection of human rights.
“Eight years have passed, but we’ve seen nothing but promises. Living off humanitarian aid is not sustainable,” said community leader Master Syed Ullah.
“We don’t want more promises; we want guarantees for a safe, voluntary and dignified return to our homeland with full citizenship rights.”
Other speakers included Master Jahangir Alam (Teacher Representative), Master Kin Mong (President, Social Platform), Maulana Shafique (Religious Representative), and Sajida Begum (Women’s Representative).
Participants in the rally included camp leaders, teachers, religious figures, community health workers, youth, business representatives, social media activists and general camp residents.
Earlier at UN General Assembly, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus reiterated that the country is ready to cooperate with the international community in repatriating the Rohingyas.
He expressed hope that the upcoming conference would result in real action and adequate funding to move the process forward.
