People of Faith Can Make a Difference in the Lives of the Rohingya

By Radwan Chowdhury, Chief of News

Washington, D.C. | January 20, 2019

Since August 2017, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya families have fled a campaign of systematic violence and ethnic cleansing in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, crossing into southern Bangladesh in search of refuge. Today, an estimated 720,000 Rohingya Muslims—including hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children—remain displaced and in urgent need of fundamental human aid: food, clean water, medical care, shelter, and basic education.

Families fleeing the crisis have detailed severe atrocities, mass displacement, and widespread destruction of their villages at the hands of security forces. Despite clear documentation from international observers and survivor testimony, military and civilian leadership have largely denied responsibility for these actions.

The Rohingya are a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority who have lived in Myanmar for generations. Deprived of formal recognition under the country's 1982 Citizenship Law, they remain one of the largest stateless populations in the world, stripped of basic civil rights, freedom of movement, and access to essential public services.

Protecting displaced children and vulnerable families must remain a shared international priority. Both Myanmar and Bangladesh are signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, incurring a formal responsibility to safeguard young populations from violence and harm. Sustainable repatriation will only be possible when returning families are guaranteed physical safety, fundamental rights, and a clear path toward legal recognition.

Allowing an entire generation of children to remain in temporary camps without education or stability is unacceptable. Addressing this crisis requires sustained diplomatic engagement, accountability, and practical humanitarian support.

Community Event & Benefit Gathering

Faith communities and international advocacy groups play an important role in mobilizing support and raising awareness for displaced families.

You are invited to join local leaders and humanitarian advocates for a community presentation and benefit dinner hosted by the Burma Task Force to discuss ongoing relief efforts and support Rohingya children.

• Event: Stop Genocide – Presentation & Benefit Dinner
• Date & Time: Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 6:00 PM
• Location: Dunya Banquet Hall (5961 Stevenson Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304)
• Featured Guest Speakers: Imam Mohammed Magid, Pastor Bob Roberts Jr., and Imam Malik Mujahid

Your presence and assistance help provide direct relief, restore dignity, and build a more secure future for families in need.