by Ro Maung Shwe
In a significant development for Rohingya education, the United States and Canada based human rights organization Justice For All has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner under the Government of Bangladesh to establish long term education hubs for Rohingya children, youth, and adult learners in Cox’s Bazar.
The agreement follows months of field engagement, community consultations, and advocacy efforts. In November 2025, a delegation led by Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, President of Justice For All and Chair of its Burma Task Force, visited the Rohingya refugee camps. The delegation included representatives from North America and Europe who met community leaders, Rohingya educators, and refugee families to assess urgent educational needs.
Education Gaps in the Camps
Nearly nine years into displacement, access to formal and accredited education remains severely limited for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Funding shortages, policy restrictions, and the closure of many community led learning centers have reduced opportunities for children and adolescents.
A recent survey conducted by Justice For All’s Burma Task Force found that only around 3 percent of school age Rohingya girls are enrolled in educational programmes. Community members say gender disparities, lack of accredited pathways, and inadequate infrastructure continue to limit participation.
During the November visit, delegation members observed informal learning spaces run by volunteer educators who operate under challenging conditions. These discussions contributed to the launch of what the organization calls the Rohingya Education Enhancement Initiative, aimed at strengthening governance, quality, and inclusion in camp based education.
Framework Under the Memorandum
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a structured framework for collaboration between Justice For All and the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner. Under the agreement, both parties commit to implementing education programmes in compliance with Government of Bangladesh regulations.
The framework emphasizes child centered and protection sensitive approaches, including attention to trauma, psychosocial needs, and gender equity. It also outlines provisions for operational transparency and financial accountability.
According to organizers, the planned education hubs will include classrooms, trained facilitators, digital learning facilities, and infrastructure designed to support girls’ participation. The initiative also aims to provide pathways for certification and adult education opportunities.
About the Organizations
Justice For All is a human rights organization based in the United States and Canada. It holds consultative status with the United Nations and conducts advocacy on genocide prevention, refugee protection, and access to education. Its Burma Task Force focuses specifically on the rights and protection of Rohingya communities through research, policy engagement, and coalition building.
The Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner oversees refugee affairs in Cox’s Bazar and coordinates camp level governance and humanitarian operations.
What the Partnership Means
Advocates involved in the initiative describe the agreement as a step toward moving beyond temporary learning arrangements toward a more predictable and accountable education structure within the camps.
The proposed hubs are expected to support literacy, numeracy, and digital skills development, while creating opportunities for youth and adult learners. Organizers say long term access to education is critical not only for immediate well being, but also for future prospects whether in continued displacement, potential repatriation, or resettlement.
For many Rohingya families, education remains one of the few long term investments available in a context of prolonged uncertainty.
As displacement continues with no immediate resolution, initiatives focused on sustainable learning represent an effort to protect the rights and future of Rohingya children and youth amid ongoing instability.
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