We Will Not Forget the Rohingya

The Rohingyas form a distinct ethnic community that is predominantly Muslim and claim indigenous roots in the Rakhine state of Burma, now known as Myanmar. Since the 1970s, this minority group has faced systematic persecution as many of its basic rights have been denied. Rohingya are subjugated to forced labor, have no land rights, and are heavily restricted from political participation. Therefore, socio-economic mobility is very difficult for the Rohingya. In 2012, communal tensions escalated into ethnic violence and many Rohingyas were forced to flee for safer refuge in neighboring countries.

The past few years have seen a deepening - and often ignored - conflict regarding the Rohingya people. However, Zakat Foundation of America has made it a priority to not only highlight the voice of these “stateless” people, but to also continue delivering humanitarian assistance to their community. Due to restrictions, it’s nearly impossible to launch operations within Myanmar’s borders. As an alternative, Zakat Foundation of America has managed to organize relief programs in countries like India where Rohingya are currently living as refugees. There, Zakat Foundation of America has sent food packages containing items like rice, sugar, oil, canned meat, tea, and lentils that can sustain families and individuals for a month.