Dear Dedicated Supporters,
August 2023 marks six years since hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people sought refuge in Bangladesh escaping horrific violence and persecution in Myanmar. Today, the Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh — where nearly one million Rohingya now live — is the largest refugee camp in the world.
Recently I had the privilege to travel to Bangladesh and bear witness to the bravery and resilience of the Rohingya refugees who have rebuilt their communities there. Those who live in this low-lying area of southeast Asia do so under very difficult physical circumstances. Torrential monsoon rains, intensifying due to the effects of climate change, are a regular part of the weather pattern often with devastating impacts on the refugee camps and roads that access the camps. Essential supplies are at the mercy of available transportation amid unpredictable conditions. And weather-related conditions are only one set of challenges that these communities face on a daily basis in this protracted emergency.
Yet, from my time in Kutupalong I have many reasons to be optimistic. Children are learning and laughing in educational centers with walls filled with brightly colored artwork. Young adults are enrolled in vocational programs, including many young women who may not have had access to such opportunities in Myanmar. Men and women participate in livelihoods programming and leadership opportunities, helping to shape and run programs and services in their communities wherever possible. And work is well underway to address the tremendous environmental challenges and advance a more purposeful relationship with the planet – including watershed management, reforestation, and water and sanitation efforts that are closely linked with health outcomes.
Through USA for UNHCR’s Culture Collective, I am pleased to offer you another view of Rohingya people through the beauty of their culture. Please take the opportunity to watch Wandering and Rohingya, two powerful films which give us a glimpse of day-to-day life, along with examples of art, music, a museum exhibition – and even Muppets. Spend some time with this inspirational content, and then explore the ways you can get more involved in supporting refugee communities.
With gratitude,
Suzanne Ehlers
Executive Director and CEO
