Global Coalition Commemorates Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day 2025 at the United Nations NYC, Announces New Education Initiative and Demands Action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Global Coalition Commemorates Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day at UN, Announces New Education Initiative and Demands Action

New York– August 27, 2025 – A coalition of Rohingya organizations and international allies convened at the Church Center for the United Nations for a solemn commemoration of the eighth anniversary of the 2017 Rohingya exodus from Burma. The event, “A Day of Remembrance, Resilience, and Resolve,” honored the victims and survivors and featured major announcements of new initiatives to secure the community’s future, alongside strong statements of international support.

Convened by Justice For All and the Arakan Rohingya Union, the event drew a wide array of participants, with representation from Rohingya organizations, NGOs, diplomatic missions to the UN, the European Union, ASEAN, and the UN Human Rights Office, highlighting the ongoing genocide.

The event began with a moment of solemn reflection. Imam Saffet Catovic, Director of UN Operations for Justice For All and a survivor of the Bosnian genocide, led a poignant opening prayer for the victims. “We gather on sacred ground… to remember the victims, honor the survivors, and amplify a unified call to action from a people pushed to the very brink of existence,” he stated.

High-level international support was a key feature of the commemoration. H.E. Ambassador Hameed Ajibaiye Opeloyeru, Permanent Observer for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to the United Nations, delivered a powerful address, reaffirming the OIC’s unwavering commitment. “The OIC stands in firm solidarity with the Rohingya people. Our support for The Gambia’s case at the International Court of Justice remains steadfast, and we will continue to utilize all diplomatic channels to pursue justice, accountability, and the restoration of their inalienable rights,” the Ambassador declared.

A key highlight was the presentation of findings from the new Justice For All Burma Task Force Report, “Rohingya Women in Bangladesh Refugee Camps: Food, Education and Security.” Hena Zuberi, Director of Advocacy, and Sabrina Mirza, Director of Legal Affairs at Justice For All, presented the report’s critical findings, which are based on a survey of 1,000 women in the camps, detailing their demands for food, education, safety, justice, and a role in determining their future.

The program, moderated by Mr. Osamah Siddique of the Arakan Rohingya Union, also featured the voices of Rohingya youth. Mr. Maung Sawyeddollah, Founder of the Rohingya Student Network, delivered a powerful message outlining the youth’s aspirations for education and identity.

A major announcement came from Mr. Reza Uddin, Director General of the Arakan Rohingya Union, who served as a keynote speaker. In his remarks, he not only emphasized the community’s unwavering goal for citizenship and return but also unveiled a groundbreaking new project focused on hope and resilience.

“While we continue our fight for justice and return, we must also invest in the minds of our future generations. Today, I am proud to announce a new education initiative, a partnership between the Rohingya diaspora, educational organizations in the United Kingdom, and international partners,” Uddin stated. “Furthermore, we will soon be releasing specialized software designed to assist in the education of our children throughout the camps in Bangladesh and the diaspora, ensuring that despite their circumstances, they have access to quality learning and a path to a brighter future.”

Other keynote speaker MP Shwe Maung, Chairperson of the Arakan Rohingya National Congress, provided critical political context, stressing the non-negotiable demand for the restoration of the Rohingya’s citizenship and rightful place in a future federal Myanmar.

International allies offered further support. Ms. Teale Harold, Policy Officer at Independent Diplomats, offered words of solidarity, while Dr. Bobbi Nasr, Chair of the NGO Committee on Human Rights to the UN, recognized the profound trauma of the survivors and commended the comprehensive nature of the women’s report. She emphasized that with the UN Security Council frozen, the General Assembly and the upcoming High-Level Meeting represent a “historic opportunity” to drive tangible action on this crisis.

The event concluded with the presentation of a unified Joint Resolution to the international community, demanding immediate humanitarian aid, justice, restoration of rights, and safe repatriation, serving as a direct mandate for the UN High-Level Conference on September 30, 2025.

“The Rohingya people have been patient for eight years. Our patience has run out. Our resolve has not,” the organizers declared. “We are not only remembering the past but actively building for our future. The time for listening is over; the time for action is now.”

Attachments:

1. Event Program
2. Full Text of the Joint Resolution for Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day

Media Contact:
Hena Zuberi
Director of Advocacy
Justice For All
hena@justiceforall.org
202-908-JUST

About Justice For All
Justice For All is a human rights organization accredited by the United Nations focused on Muslim minority issues and anti-genocide advocacy.

About Arakan Rohingya Union
The Arakan Rohingya Union is a leading coalition body representing Rohingya organizations globally, advocating for the rights, citizenship, and safe return of the Rohingya people to their homeland in Burma/Myanmar.