This collection of images taken through 2021 captures the Rohingya community striving to build a better life for their children amidst the harsh realities of the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh).
Around 60% of this Rohingya population are children and young adults under 18 years old, with over 400,000 deprived of education and at risk of child labour, trafficking and violence. Life for these refugees is also full of natural dangers, from COVID-19 to monsoons and fires.
And yet, there are everyday moments of joy, tenderness, and perseverance. Many Rohingya have lost hope of returning home to Myanmar since all repatriation attempts have failed.
The diaspora seeks not only a safe home but justice against the genocidal Myanmar government.
Visit Rohingyatopher to see more photographs and learn how you can help the Rohingya photography community.
Sahat Zia Hero is a photographer and multilingual poet who has received international publication and acclaim for documenting the Rohingya genocide in his native Myanmar.
He is a Rohingya refugee residing in the world’s largest refugee camp (of almost 1 million refugees) in Bangladesh, where he works with Danish and Norwegian refugee councils.
“I use photography to advocate for the rights and freedom of my community. Our community needs to share the reality of life in the refugee camp, the lives of Rohingya refugees and their hopes, not just their marginalisation.”
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AddOn is an ideal entry point for photographers to become involved in this year’s Head On Photo Festival.
