Moshor Rof, also known as Muang Thein Myint, is a Rohingya genocide survivor who currently resides in the world largest refugee camp – Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh. Born in Myanmar, he was forced to flee his homeland due to the violent persecution of the Rohingya people by the Myanmar military. Like many others, he sought refuge in Bangladesh to escape the atrocities and find safety for himself and his family.
Moshor Rof is contributing his best efforts towards the community through Empowerment, Community Advocacy, Driven Community Based Education and Crisis documentation. He has spent the last 7 years as a consultant and facilitator for research projects and contributed to the development of school curriculum for the Rohingya kids in the refugee camp. Moshor Rof also conducts awareness sessions with children, elders, women, teachers and youths to rebuild the community.
O.T.: Moshor Rof or Muang, how should I call you? Why do you have two names?
M.R: My parents originally named me as Moshor Rof, this is my Rohingya birth name. However, due to the discrimination and hostility towards Rohingya by Myanmar government officials, my parents used an alternative official name as Maung Thein Myint for living in my own country and not to face discrimination.
O.T.: So, Rohingya are a minority in Myanmar but can you tell us more about the history of the Rohingya people?
M. R: The Rohingya are an ethnic minority, originating from the Indian sub-continent, and comprised of about 30% of the population in Rakhine State, a mountainous area that is separated from the rest of Myanmar where they had lived for several centuries. However, the government of Myanmar did not recognize them as an ethnic group, although it has 140 distinct ethnic groups. They were called either “Rakhine Muslims” or “Bengalis” since the word Rohingya was officially banned in the country.
The Myanmar government imposed numerous severe limitations on Rohingyas, including forced eviction, denial of citizenship, land confiscation, forced labor, and limitations on freedom of movement. Historically, Myanmar Government denied our citizenship, branding them as “illegal immigrants.” Persecution escalated under military regimes, leading to mass exoduses, notably in 1978, 1991, and 2017. Today, over a million Rohingya live as stateless refugees, primarily in Bangladesh, facing ongoing humanitarian crises and international condemnation of Myanmar’s actions. However, the persecution and atrocities ongoing against the Rohingya people till today along with lots of casualties.
O. T.: Where did the Rohingya originally come from?
M. R.: Muslims have lived in present-day Myanmar since at least the 12th century. During British rule (1824-1948), migration from India and Bangladesh increased. After independence, Myanmar’s government considered this migration illegal and refused citizenship to most Rohingya. Many Buddhists reject the term “Rohingya,” viewing them as Bengali immigrants.
O.T.: Why were they stripped of citizenship?
M. R.: Myanmar’s 1948 Citizenship Act excluded Rohingya from official ethnic groups, though some initially received identity cards and served in parliament. After the 1962 military coup, they were given foreign identity cards, limiting jobs and education. The 1982 Citizenship Law further marginalized them, requiring proof of pre-1948 ancestry, which many lacked. As a result, they cannot vote, have restricted rights, and are barred from certain professions.
O.T.: When did the persecution of the Rohingya in Myanmar begin?
M.R.: Since the 1970s, crackdowns have forced hundreds of thousands to flee.
Reports describe systematic rape, torture, arson, and extrajudicial killings by Myanmar’s military. In 2016, after a border police attack, security forces intensified violence against Rohingya villages. In 2017, over 750,000 fled to Bangladesh as Myanmar’s military was accused of ethnic cleansing and genocide. Human Rights Watch reported the destruction of over 360 Rohingya villages. In 2018, satellite images showed mass graves and razed villages, further evidence of the government’s ethnic cleansing campaign.
O.T.: How many Rohingya have fled, and where?
M.R.: Since the 1970s, nearly one million Rohingya have fled Myanmar. By 2017, over 650,000 sought refuge in Bangladesh. Many risked their lives crossing the Bay of Bengal to Malaysia. As of 2024, ongoing violence by the Rakhine rebel group AA and the military junta has displaced over 70,000 more Rohingya to Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh. The UN estimates thousands have been killed, with villages continuously being destroyed. At present now, over 1.3 million of Rohingya primarily in the Bangladesh refugee camp.
O.T.: But why are Rohingya oppressed in their home country, where this intolerance comes from?
M.R.: The Rohingya are a Muslim minority in Buddhist-majority country Myanmar, so the majority sees us as foreigners, despite our centuries-long presence. The government and nationalist groups label the Rohingya as “illegal immigrants,” justifying their exclusion. That is why they passed the 1982 Citizenship Law to deny the Rohingya the right to citizenship and outlaw them. This led to outbreak of state-sponsored violence and “clearance operations” described as ethnic cleansing by the UN. Some radical Buddhist groups also promote anti-Rohingya sentiments, justifying this violence, while the military ruling Myanmar for decades has shielded perpetrators of human rights abuses. The ongoing civil war in Rakhine province also contributes to the devastation and economic decline.
O.T.: Why the world does not know much about the tragedy of your people?
M.R.: The Rohingya crisis remains underreported due to gepolitical, economic, and media-related factors. Several key reasons contribute to the lack of global awareness. Many countries prioritize political and economic ties with Myanmar over addressing human rights violations, limiting international pressure. The crisis initially received attention but has faded from the headlines as newer global issues arise. Sustained media focus remains lacking.
The Rohingya crisis involves historical, ethnic, and political factors, making it difficult to communicate its urgency effectively. Restricted access to refugee camps in Bangladesh and conflict zones in Myanmar prevents journalists and aid organizations from documenting conditions firsthand. With numerous humanitarian crises worldwide, public attention is often short-lived, leading to a lack of sustained action. The Myanmar government spreads false narratives to downplay the crisis, confusing global perception. The crisis is seen as a regional problem, reducing international intervention. Despite these challenges, activists and human rights organizations continue to raise awareness, advocating for justice and humanitarian aid for the Rohingya people.
O.T.: You live in the largest refugee camp in the world which is in Bangladesh. How long have you been there?
M.R.: I have been living here since 2017 – almost 8 years. That is an incredibly long time to endure such challenging conditions, far from home and with little hope for a permanent solution. Life in the refugee camp has been extremely difficult, with limited access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and proper shelter. Healthcare is inadequate, making it hard to get medical treatment when needed. Education opportunities are scarce, leaving many young people without the chance to build a better future. The lack of employment and livelihood options makes it even more challenging to live a dignified life. Every day is a struggle for survival, and the uncertainty of what the future holds only adds to the hardship. Despite these difficulties, we continue to hold on to hope, but the longer we remain in this situation, the harder it becomes. The world must not forget about us. We deserve the right to live safely, with dignity, and with the opportunity to build a better future for ourselves and the generations to come.
O.T.: Can you describe the conditions in the camp?
M.R.: The Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, are among the most overcrowded and challenging places to live. Over 1.3 million Rohingya refugees, most of whom fled persecution in Myanmar, reside in makeshift shelters with limited access to essential services. The camps, particularly Kutupalong and Balu Khali, are densely populated, with families crammed into small, temporary shelters. Roads are unpaved, clean water is scarce, and sanitation facilities are inadequate, leading to health risks. Medical services are stretched thin, with high rates of malnutrition and disease outbreaks. Educational opportunities for children are severely limited due to overcrowding and a lack of proper schools. The camps face security issues, including gender-based violence and human trafficking. Refugees live in uncertainty, as repatriation to Myanmar remains stalled. Despite ongoing humanitarian aid, the crisis persists, leaving millions without a clear path to a stable future.
O.T.: Do Rohingya refugees receive any financial help from Bangladesh?
M.R.: No, Rohingya refugees do not receive direct financial help from the Bangladeshi government. They primarily rely on humanitarian aid from international organizations like the UN and NGOs for food, healthcare, and basic services.
O.T.: How do people survive in these conditions?
M.R.: The Rohingya refugees survive through a combination of resilience, community support, and external aid. There’s how they manage. Refugees depend on food, water, healthcare, and other essential services provided by international organizations like the UN, NGOs, and donor countries. Families and neighbors help each other by sharing resources, taking care of children, and offering emotional support to cope with trauma. Some refugees engage in small-scale economic activities like selling handmade goods, working as day laborers, or trading goods in the camps to earn a small income. Many have adapted to the camp environment by building makeshift shelters, using available materials to stay safe, and creating informal social networks to navigate daily challenges.
O.T.: It seems as if nobody cares about Rohingya
M.R.: It can certainly feel that way, given the ongoing suffering and lack of a lasting solution for the Rohingya. While it’s true that the scale of their hardship is immense and progress has been slow, it’s important to acknowledge that there are many people, organizations, and countries working to help, even if it doesn’t always seem like enough. International organizations like the UNHCR, WFP, and IOM are doing their best to provide aid, but funding and resources are often limited, and political complexities make solutions difficult. Bangladesh has also been very generous in hosting the refugees, despite the significant strain on its own resources. However, you’re right to feel frustrated, as the situation calls for more attention, political will, and long-term solutions. The Rohingya need not only humanitarian aid but also a safe and sustainable future, which has yet to materialize due to the lack of meaningful repatriation or resettlement plans.
O.T.: Do Rohingya have any political organizations or leaders advocating for their human rights?
M.R.: Yes, but the Rohingya have some civil society organizations and leaders advocating for their rights, such as the Rohingya FDMN Representative Committee and others. Many activist in exile, Maung Tun Khin and Ro Nay Sein Lwin, work to raise awareness and lobby for international support. However, their efforts face significant challenges due to political obstacles and limited recognition.
O.T.: What are the most urgent problems faced by your people that need to be addressed immediately?
M.R.: Refugees, especially women and children, face violence, trafficking, and exploitation. Stronger protection measures are essential. Access to healthcare, clean water, and sanitation is critically lacking, leading to disease outbreaks and malnutrition. Overcrowded camps with poor infrastructure make daily life difficult.
Improved shelters and sanitation are crucial. Limited schooling leaves Rohingya children without opportunities, risking a lost generation. Statelessness denies them fundamental rights. Citizenship and recognition in Myanmar are vital. Sustainable plans for repatriation or resettlement are needed to end their prolonged suffering.
O.T.: You run an organization dedicated to helping your own community. At the end of our conversation, can you tell us more about this initiative? How can those who will read this interview help you?
M.R.: My Organization RAEN is a grassroots organization led by Human Rights Defenders & Teachers who are in the world’s largest refugee camps of Bangladesh, aiming to provide Critical Aid, Food, Healthcare, Education, Livelihood Supports, Women Empowerment, Gender Awareness & Equality, Advocacy for our displaced community in Bangladesh. We believe in empowering our people through sustainable solutions while fighting for justice and human rights. Based in the Rohingya refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, RAEN is dedicated to uplifting and empowering displaced Rohingya individuals.
RAEN’s programs primarily serve the Rohingya refugee population, including children, adolescents, women, caregivers, and youth. By providing direct services like education and psychosocial support, as well as advocating for rights and inclusion, the organization ensures that the most vulnerable are not left behind.
Currently, we are seeking your support for a critical need that will address a significant gap of education materials such as textbook, school bags, exercise books to almost 950 students for 1 year to their educational journey.
For more information, please click to the following social media links:
Web – https://rohingyanetwork.org/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/rohingya-aid-empowerment-network/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rohingyaaidempowermentnetwork
Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/share/12KfSvMmuy2/
If you want to help us save lives and bring hope you can donate here
https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-a-brighter-future-for-all-rohingya-people
#StandWithRohingya #HumanityFirst
Every contribution can have a great impact on displaced Rohingya Children!
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