By: RO Maung Shwe
Meet Ro Khin Maung, a prominent leader in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps and a trailblazer in Rohingya community advocacy. He serves as the Founder and Director of the Rohingya Youth Association (RYA), the first Rohingya-led civil society organization established in the camps.
The Birth of Rohingya Youth Association (RYA)
The foundation of RYA marked a historic moment for the Rohingya community in Cox’s Bazar. Conceived under the vision of Ro Khin Maung and supported by other passionate youth activists, RYA has emerged as a platform for independent advocacy, youth empowerment, and community development.
Initially, the group worked under the mentorship of the Free Rohingya Coalition (FRC), a global organization led by prominent activists such as Dr. Maung Zarni and Ro Nay San Lwin. However, recognizing the need for a camp-based organization, Ro Khin Maung took the initiative to establish RYA in 2020.
Objectives of RYA: Commemorating History, Empowering Youth
RYA’s mission includes:
- Commemorating significant dates in Rohingya history, such as June 3, 2012, October 9, 2016, and August 25, 2017, to honor the resilience of their community.
- Building youth leadership and fostering political empowerment through specialized training.
- Conducting community development programs to address the pressing needs within the camps.
Advocacy on Global Platforms
Under Ro Khin Maung’s leadership, RYA has been instrumental in representing the Rohingya community on international platforms like the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Collaborating with organizations such as Human Rights Watch and various UN bodies, RYA advocates for justice and accountability for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya people.
Humanitarian Contributions
RYA was the first organization in the camps to launch a blood donation program, which has saved countless lives. Although the initiative is now led by other groups, RYA continues to support these efforts by providing trained technicians for blood testing campaigns.
Empowering Future Leaders
One of RYA’s most significant achievements is its role in nurturing youth leadership. Many civil society organizations in the camps are now led by individuals trained and mentored by RYA, highlighting the organization’s legacy of empowerment.
Self-Sustained Operations
Remarkably, RYA operates without external funding. Members contribute 100 Taka per month, and additional support comes from former members now residing in countries like Malaysia and Thailand. This self-reliant model ensures transparency and independence in its operations.
Current Activities and Vision
RYA continues to organize training sessions, provide mentorship, and support emerging civil society organizations within the camps. Its vision is to promote youth leadership, advocate for justice, and foster resilience among the Rohingya community.
As Ro Khin Maung states:
“RYA stands as a testament to the strength, unity, and determination of the Rohingya people. Through independence and transparency, we strive to build a brighter future for our community.”
