Titled The Rohingya Experience, the exhibition saw photography boards strategically placed throughout the capital, inviting islanders to engage with the lives and stories of the Rohingya people as seen through the eyes of their youth.
The internationally acclaimed exhibition powerfully demonstrates the transformative impact of photography as a medium for storytelling and advocacy. Each photograph, captured by one of 26 talented Rohingya refugees, was displayed alongside a QR code. Scanning the code revealed videos in which the photographers personally narrated the stories behind their images.
The exhibition, which was in place for two weeks, played a crucial role in highlighting the resilience, identity, and challenges faced by one of the world’s most persecuted, and the largest stateless, populations. Curated by David Palazón and Sahat Zia Hero, who lives in the heart of the Cox's Bazar refugee camps, it shifted the Rohingya narrative from one of victimhood to a powerful story of resilience and self-representation. Through photography, the exhibit created understanding in Jersey, and advocated for human rights. It served as a poignant platform for the Rohingya refugees to illuminate their experiences, emphasising both their suffering and dignity.
Who are the Rohingya?
The Rohingya are a Muslim ethnic minority who have lived in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar—formerly Burma—for centuries. However, since 1982, they have been denied citizenship, making them the world's largest stateless population. In August 2017, widespread violence, armed attacks, and severe human rights abuses forced thousands of Rohingya to flee their homes in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Around one million Rohingya have since sought refuge in Bangladesh, with most residing in Cox's Bazar, home to the world's largest refugee camp.
Launch Event
The launch of The Rohingya Experience took place on July 2nd at Jersey Arts Centre and offered an immersive insight into the harsh realities faced by Rohingya refugees. The event was profoundly engaging, featuring video extracts from the exhibition's curators and Rohingya refugees, along with intimate discussions with current and former UNHCR staff.
Thank you to Johannes van der Klaauw, former UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh; Faye Coggins, UNHCR employee in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh; and JOA’s Terry Moral for taking part in the event. Their insights shed light on the complex history and ongoing challenges faced by the Rohingya community, The discussion highlighted the remarkable resilience and enduring hope of the Rohingya people, who have persevered through decades of persecution and violence.
The panel also drew attention the increasing volume of climate-induced challenges, such as flooding, fires, and landslides. These conversations sparked meaningful dialogue on the urgent need for collective global efforts to address these pressing issues.
The initiative showcased the impactful work of Jersey Overseas Aid and its commitment to supporting the Rohingya people. JOA’s funding enables UNHCR to provide essential services, including legal and community-based protection, access to health, hygiene, and sanitation, nutrition support, and core relief items.
It is our hope that The Rohingya Experience will be showcased in other European countries following the overwhelming success of Jersey’s exhibition. For more information on Rohingyatographer visit: Rohingyatographer Magazine and for more information on The Rohingya Experience: The Rohingya Experience (rohingyatographer.org)