A Tale of Refugees

The unprecedented Rohingya crisis shows little sign of abating almost eight months later. Since the August 25 crackdown by the Myanmar military began, more than 700,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh. As plans for repatriation gain some traction, the Rohingyas are making sure their voices are heard. During the visit by a delegation of the United Nations Security Council, Rohingyas in camps around Cox's Bazar shared their tragic stories. They put forth their demand of no longer abiding by the “illegal” National Verification Card, which stops short of granting citizenship and also demanded justice for what they have been put through. While tragic stories abound, so does a sense of impending danger. Makeshift homes are seen on the slopes of hill. As rains increase, so do the chances of landslides. The environmental destruction is also plain to see.  In the camps of the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world, the pain, desperation and suffering is clear to see.

Photo: Anisur Rahman