IIUM Hosts High-Level Conference on the Rohingya Crisis: Calls for Regional Action and Global Advocacy

Camp Correspondent

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – February 23, 2025

The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) is set to host an important conference titled “The Rohingya Crisis – Regional Actions and Global Advocacy,” bringing together international experts, policymakers, and humanitarian leaders to address one of the world’s most prolonged refugee crises.

The event, held at the Ibn Taimiyyah Conference Room, Kulliyyah of Economics, aims to develop regional strategies and global advocacy efforts to support the Rohingya people.

The Rohingya crisis remains one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges, with over one million refugees in Bangladesh and thousands more seeking sanctuary in Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries.

The ongoing genocide, denial of citizenship, and forced displacement continue to fuel uncertainty for the Rohingya, making international collaboration crucial for finding sustainable solutions.

Opening Session: Addressing Urgent Needs

The conference will begin with a welcome address by Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Fauzan Nordin, Deputy Rector of IIUM (Student Development & Engagement).

Key speakers include:

• Nurul Islam, Chair of the Arakan Rohingya National Alliance (ARNA)
• Tan Sri Dr. Syed Hamid Albar, Former Foreign Minister of Malaysia
• Dato’ Ahmad Azam Ab. Rahman, Commissioner of IPHRC, OIC

These leaders will discuss the regional response to the crisis, the role of ASEAN, the OIC, and international organizations, as well as the challenges surrounding Rohingya repatriation and legal protection.

Panel Discussion: Finding Policy and Humanitarian Solutions

A panel discussion titled “Regional and Global Advocacy for the Rohingya Crisis” will feature experts from the fields of policy, humanitarian aid, law, and education.

Panelists include:

• Prof. Sheikh Tawfique M. Haque (SIPG, Bangladesh) – Governance and policy perspectives from South Asia
• Dr. Ahmad El-Muhammady (ISTAC IIUM) – ASEAN’s role in addressing the crisis
• Dr. Jufitri bin Joha (GPM) (TBC) – Humanitarian perspectives and refugee support
• Datin Nur Azlina binti Abdul Aziz (JREC) – Rohingya education in Malaysia
• Nezamul Hasan (ARNA) – Ground-level insights into the Rohingya crisis
• Prof. Dr. Salawati Mat Basir (UKM) – Legal aspects of statelessness and refugee protection

The discussion, moderated by Dr. Md. Mahbubul Haque, will explore the humanitarian conditions in refugee camps, the challenges of legal recognition for the Rohingya, and the impact of international justice mechanisms such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Key Issues and Global Advocacy

The conference will focus on:

• Regional responses and diplomatic efforts by Bangladesh, ASEAN, and OIC
• Addressing humanitarian challenges and ensuring aid delivery in Rakhine State
• Strategies for sustainable repatriation, integration, and global advocacy

Call for Action and Future Collaboration

The event will conclude with a summary of key discussions, followed by a networking session and lunch (12:45 – 2:30 PM), allowing participants to strengthen partnerships and develop coordinated strategies to support the Rohingya people.

As the crisis persists, this conference serves as a critical platform to mobilize political, legal, and humanitarian action, ensuring that the Rohingya community receives justice, dignity, and long-term solutions.