No Country, No Limits: How a Rohingya Refugee Became a Voice for Change

By RO Maung Shwe

Cox’s Bazar, May 23, 2025 — Meet Nur Sadek, a dedicated and passionate Rohingya youth who transformed his pain into purpose. Originally from Ngan Chaung village in northern Maungdaw Township, Arakan (Rakhine State), Myanmar, Sadek is more than just a refugee — he is a law student, a published author, a poet, and a youth advocate determined to uplift his community.

As a child, Sadek describes himself as quiet and reserved — never imagining that he would one day be forced to flee his homeland during a genocide, simply to stay alive.

Today, from the heart of Malaysia, Sadek stands not only as a survivor but as a symbol of strength and hope. He is among the few Rohingya youths using their voice to inspire others — proving that true resilience is forged in hardship.

From Poetry to Purpose

Sadek is the author of Scars: Poetries of a Genocide Survivor and The Rohingya Warrior: A Youth’s Journey of Survival and Hope. His writings are deeply personal, echoing the grief, strength, and undying spirit of the Rohingya people.

Scars captures the trauma of statelessness through poetry, while The Rohingya Warrior chronicles Sadek’s own journey alongside stories of others who, despite deep wounds, continue to dream.

He first began writing in the refugee camps of Bangladesh, using his pen as a weapon against silence. He recorded videos reading his poems, hoping the world might listen. In doing so, he became a quiet leader for many young refugees.

Life in Malaysia: Struggle and Resolve

After leaving Bangladesh, Sadek relocated to Malaysia. But life there presented even more challenges. Rohingya refugees in Malaysia are not officially recognized — they cannot work legally, attend government schools, or move freely without fear of arrest.

Yet Sadek never gave up. With limited support, he resumed his studies and pursued his dream of higher education. He now studies law at Brickfields Asia College (BAC) under a UK Transfer Degree Programme with the University of Hertfordshire — gaining a British legal education while living as a refugee.

“I study law so I can speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,” Sadek says.

Leading Through Action

Beyond academics, Sadek is active in community initiatives focused on capacity-building for refugee youths. He teaches others to believe in themselves, build skills, and lead change in their own lives. Despite his limited resources, his presence continues to uplift many around him.

He reminds us: “Be who you truly are, no matter where you come from.”

Finding Refuge in Words and Nature

In moments of solitude, Sadek turns to the words of Franz Kafka, Robert Frost, and Osho— writers who soothe his soul when the world feels overwhelming. He enjoys hikes, abandoned spaces, and moments in nature that bring him peace.

One of his most cherished sanctuaries is the mosque. “In prayer, we stand shoulder to shoulder. No one asks about your status. In that moment, we are all equal,” he says.

And in those moments, Sadek feels that though he may belong to no country, he belongs to the people who believe in kindness.

Dreaming Beyond Borders

Sadek dreams of becoming a policy officer who advocates for refugees, stateless people, and the unheard. He envisions himself sitting with world leaders — not to beg, but to represent.

“We are not here to take,” he says. “We are here to grow, and to give.”

A Message to the Lost and Unseen

To young people everywhere — especially those who feel forgotten — Sadek offers this message: You don’t need money to make a difference. You don’t need a passport to dream. You don’t even need perfect English to be heard. You just need courage.

Sadek didn’t wait for the world to change. He became the change.

Reflection

Nur Sadek’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience. From the trauma of genocide to the pursuit of justice, he transformed personal scars into social purpose. He chose not to surrender to despair, but to rise above it — with words, actions, and an unshakable will.

His story is not just a refugee’s tale. It’s a universal reminder: change doesn’t begin when the world is ready. It begins when we are.