Rohingya Gather at Camp-13: Voices from Across Refugee Camps
27 September 2025 – Camp-13, Rohingya Refugee Camp
Ahead of the United Nations Rohingya Conference (30 September 2025), Rohingya refugees gathered at Camp-13 to deliver a unified call for justice, dignity, and lasting peace. Refugees from all major camps participated, demonstrating solidarity, sharing experiences, and raising collective demands to the UN and international community.
The RAR Institute conducted interviews with 28 participants representing human rights activists, youth leaders, community leaders, and teachers. This report provides a detailed overview of reasons for gathering, challenges, aspirations, and recommendations.
1: Methodology
1.1: Research Design
| Aspect | Description |
| Research Type | Qualitative Descriptive Study |
| Approach | Semi-structured interviews |
| Objective | To explore reasons for gathering, community challenges, and expectations from UN/international actors |
| Themes Explored | Justice, political recognition, education, youth empowerment, protection, global advocacy |
| Analysis Method | Thematic analysis of transcripts with coding of recurring themes |
1.2: Data Collection
| Aspect | Description |
| Interview Type | Face-to-face, semi-structured |
| Duration | 10–15 minutes per participant |
| Recording | Audio-recorded with consent |
| Location | Rohingya Refugee from different Camps, private areas for confidentiality |
| Key Questions | 1. Why gather at Camp-13? 2. Main community challenges 3. Messages to UN 4. Aspirations for future |
1.3: Data Analysis
| Step | Description |
| Transcription | All interviews transcribed verbatim |
| Coding | Recurring ideas grouped into themes |
| Themes Identified | Justice, political rights, identity recognition, education, youth empowerment, protection and global advocacy. |
| Representative Data | Quotes selected for each participant category |
2: Participants
2.1: Participant Categories
| Group | Number | Names |
| Human Rights Activists | 7 | Kefayat Ullah, Mohammed Anas, Anower Sadek, Mohammed Asem, Anower Shah, Mohammed Arif, Mohammed Sadek |
| Youth Leaders | 7 | Mohammed Hares, Hafezur Rohaman, Shohaib, Mohammed Faisal, Abdur Rohaman, Mohammed Anis, Mohammed Siraj |
| Community Leaders | 7 | Mohammed Zubair, Mohammed Aziz, Nurul Amin, Anamul Hason, Mohammed Muslim, Kaiser Komor, Anayet Ullah |
| Community Teachers | 7 | Mohammed Obaid, Sadekur Rohaman, Mohammed Amin, Abdur Rohaman 2, Arof Ullah, Misbahur Rahaman, Abdul Masjid |
Descriptive Analysis:
Participants were purposively selected to ensure representation across leadership, advocacy, and educational roles. This diversity allowed a holistic view of the reasons for gathering and collective aspirations.
3: Human Rights Activists
3.1: Human Rights Activists – Quotes
| Name | Quote |
| Kefayat Ullah | “We gathered to ensure the world hears our call for justice and recognition. For decades, our people have been denied basic rights, and this assembly asserts our dignity.” |
| Mohammed Anas | “This gathering shows that Rohingya will not remain invisible. The international community must act decisively on our plight.” |
| Anower Sadek | “We demand accountability for decades of persecution. Without addressing past atrocities, repatriation is meaningless.” |
| Mohammed Asem | “Our voices unite to raise global awareness. Camp-13 gathering symbolizes unity and the refusal to accept marginalization silently.” |
| Anower Shah | “Repatriation without justice is meaningless. UN recognition of dignity and rights is essential.” |
| Mohammed Arif | “The assembly symbolizes resilience. Despite displacement, our community remains strong and determined.” |
| Mohammed Sadek | “We ensure decision-makers cannot ignore our rights. This is our plea for recognition, protection, and justice.” |
3.2: Demands – Human Rights Activists
| Demand | Description |
| Justice and Accountability | Investigate and punish crimes in Rakhine |
| Recognition | International acknowledgment of Rohingya identity |
| Advocacy | UN and global inclusion of Rohingya voices |
| Dignified Repatriation | Ensure voluntary and safe return |
Descriptive Analysis:
Human rights activists framed the gathering as a strategic advocacy tool, emphasizing that visibility and justice are inseparable from repatriation and rights restoration.
4: Youth Leaders
4.1: Youth Leaders – Quotes
| Name | Quote |
| Mohammed Hares | “We gathered to show youth unity and hope for a future in our homeland.” |
| Hafezur Rohaman | “We demand education and skill-building programs; without them, our potential is unrealized.” |
| Shohaib | “Youth must participate in repatriation and community planning to contribute meaningfully.” |
| Mohammed Faisal | “We want the UN to see the potential of our generation. Support in education is vital.” |
| Abdur Rohaman | “Peace and justice are inseparable. Youth must ensure their voices are heard.” |
| Mohammed Anis | “Empowering youth is crucial to sustain our culture and community.” |
| Mohammed Siraj | “This assembly symbolizes determination to be included in decision-making.” |
4.2: Demands – Youth Leaders
| Demand | Description |
| Education Access | Schools, curricula, vocational programs |
| Leadership Inclusion | Youth representation in governance decisions |
| Skills Development | Programs to enhance youth contribution |
| Advocacy Participation | Platforms to raise youth voices internationally |
Descriptive Analysis:
Youth leaders emphasized future-oriented empowerment, linking education, participation, and skills as essential for the long-term resilience and sustainability of the Rohingya community.
5: Community Leaders
5.1: Community Leaders – Quotes
| Name | Quote |
| Mohammed Zubair | “We insist on political rights; without recognition, repatriation is empty.” |
| Mohammed Aziz | “We call for accountability; the world must act on crimes committed against us.” |
| Nurul Amin | “Repatriation must be voluntary, safe, and dignified.” |
| Anamul Hason | “Community voices must be included in decisions about our future.” |
| Mohammed Muslim | “Recognition and protection are urgent; our people cannot wait any longer.” |
| Kaiser Komor | “We remind the world of decades of injustice; collective action sends a unified message.” |
| Anayet Ullah | “Rights recognition is essential before repatriation; safety and dignity are non-negotiable.” |
5.2: Demands – Community Leaders
| Demand | Description |
| Political Rights | Full citizenship recognition |
| Participation | Inclusion in repatriation and policy decisions |
| Protection | Safe and dignified return |
| Accountability | Global attention to justice mechanisms |
Descriptive Analysis:
Community leaders emphasized that repatriation, safety, and recognition are inseparable from justice. Their participation demonstrates strategic leadership and global advocacy.
6: Community Teachers
6.1: Community Teachers – Quotes
| Name | Quote |
| Mohammed Obaid | “Education is the foundation for rebuilding our community. Children’s learning must be prioritized.” |
| Sadekur Rohaman | “Structured learning and skills programs are essential for future generations.” |
| Mohammed Amin | “Teachers demand resources and support to shape the next generation.” |
| Abdur Rohaman 2 | “Youth must have the tools to contribute; education empowers our community.” |
| Arof Ullah | “We highlight the hopes and potential of Rohingya children.” |
| Misbahur Rahaman | “Education is critical; lack of resources hinders progress.” |
| Abdul Masjid | “Psychosocial support is as important as academic learning; healing is key.” |
6.2: Demands – Community Teachers
| Demand | Description |
| Education Resources | Schools, learning materials, curricula |
| Vocational Programs | Skills training for youth |
| Mental Health Support | Psychosocial and trauma-informed services |
| Youth Engagement | Opportunities for children to participate meaningfully |
Descriptive Analysis:
Teachers highlighted that education and psychosocial support are pillars of community resilience, emphasizing that children and youth must be prioritized to ensure a sustainable future.
7: Collective Reasons for Gathering
7.1: Collective Reasons
| Reason | Description |
| Unity Across Camps | Demonstrating solidarity and collective identity |
| Justice and Accountability | Addressing past atrocities and demanding recognition |
| Political Recognition | Citizenship and inclusion in governance |
| Safe Repatriation | Voluntary, secure, and dignified return |
| Youth Empowerment | Education, skills, and decision-making participation |
| Global Visibility | Amplifying Rohingya voices internationally |
| Education & Child Development | Structured learning and vocational programs |
| Gender Inclusion & Protection | Women’s participation and safety |
| Mental Health Support | Trauma-informed care and wellbeing |
Descriptive Analysis:
The assembly reflects multi-dimensional objectives, combining political, educational, psychosocial, and advocacy goals, showing that the Rohingya community is organized, strategic, and forward-looking.
8: Summary of Cross-Cutting Themes
8.1: Cross-Cutting Themes
| Theme | Description |
| Unity | Camp-wide solidarity across participant groups |
| Justice & Rights | Accountability and political recognition |
| Education & Empowerment | Central to resilience and sustainability |
| Advocacy | Amplifying voices at UN and global platforms |
| Protection | Mental health, gender equity, and safe repatriation |
9: Consolidated Demands
9.1: Demands by Participant Group
| Group | Key Demands |
| Human Rights Activists | Justice, recognition, accountability, UN advocacy, dignified repatriation |
| Youth Leaders | Education, skills programs, leadership inclusion, empowerment opportunities |
| Community Leaders | Political rights, safe repatriation, leadership participation, protection |
| Community Teachers | Learning resources, vocational training, psychosocial support, youth engagement |
Conclusion:
The Camp-13 assembly stands as a historic demonstration of the unity, resilience, and determination of the Rohingya community. Bringing together refugees from multiple camps, this assembly not only symbolized solidarity but also conveyed a powerful, collective message to the international community and the United Nations ahead of the Rohingya Conference. Participants emphasized the urgent need for justice and accountability, underlining that recognition of Rohingya identity and political rights is essential for any meaningful solution. Education, youth empowerment, and skills development are highlighted as crucial pillars for building a sustainable and self-reliant future. The call for safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation to their native homeland, Arakan, Myanmar, reflects the community’s unwavering commitment to return under conditions of security, respect, and political inclusion. The assembly demonstrates that the Rohingya are organized, informed, and strategic, capable of articulating their needs on global platforms. It is a reminder that durable solutions require inclusive, participatory, and rights-based approaches that honor their dignity and homeland.
About Author
Mr Kaisayr, both his Ph.D. in Education and International Relations and MA in Political Science and Public Administration research focused on the Rohingya identity, refugee crises, migration, legal rights, and citizenship issues. His research explores the longtime process of democracy development in Myanmar, conflict analysis, genocide studies, ethnic minority rights, religious discrimination, statelessness, and forced displacement, with particular case studies on the Rohingya crises in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Mr Kaisayr’s academic contributions extend to international refugee law (IRL), migration policy, legal status, and the historical context of Arakan.
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