The Journey of a Resilient Rohingya Youth: From Persecution in a War Zone to a Better Life in the United States

By: RO Maung Shwe

Meet Yasin Arfat, a dedicated Rohingya youth, student, and Senior Case Manager at Heartland Human Care Services in Chicago. Alongside his professional role, he is pursuing an associate degree in Human Resource Services at Harry S. Truman College.

Originally from Hling Thi village in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar, Yasin was born into a family that values education and community service. His father, Abdul Karim, completed matriculation and later pursued higher education at Sittwe University, where, despite facing systemic discrimination as a Rohingya, he earned a bachelor’s degree. Abdul Karim worked with various international organizations, including Malteser International (MI), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and Action Against Hunger (ACF) in Myanmar. Yasin’s mother, Rajuma Begum, completed Grade Six but was unable to continue due to her circumstances. After marriage, she devoted herself to her family, raising four children with unwavering care and resilience.

Belonging to one of the most persecuted communities in the world, Yasin experienced the harrowing realities faced by the Rohingya people in Myanmar. Systematic genocide and ethnic cleansing by the Myanmar government forced Rohingya families, including Yasin’s, to live in constant fear. Denied citizenship, deprived of educational opportunities, and subjected to severe violence, Yasin’s childhood was deeply marked by the injustices perpetrated by the state.

In 2017, the Myanmar military, alongside NaTaLa Rakhine civilians and armed groups such as the Arakan Army (AA), launched a brutal crackdown in Rakhine State under the pretext of counterinsurgency operations. This campaign resulted in mass killings, gang rapes, village destruction, and imminent threats of death. Like hundreds of thousands of others, Yasin and his family were forced to abandon their home, leaving everything behind to seek safety. They undertook a perilous journey to Bangladesh, enduring immense hardship along the way.

After arriving in Bangladesh, Yasin and his family settled in a refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar. Life in the camp was fraught with challenges, including inadequate shelter, limited access to food and clean water, and the constant trauma of displacement. Witnessing the hardships of his community, Yasin dedicated himself to humanitarian work, using his talents to support and advocate for fellow Rohingya in the camps.

Despite the adversity, Yasin pursued education through private tutors and the University of the People (UoPeople). However, due to poor internet connectivity and the lack of a personal laptop, he was ultimately forced to discontinue his studies at UoPeople. Undeterred, Yasin redirected his energy towards supporting his community. He actively participated in educational initiatives, community-building activities, and advocacy work, becoming a beacon of hope in the refugee camp.

During his time in Cox’s Bazar, Yasin worked as a Volunteer Team Leader with the World Food Programme (WFP) under the Communication with Communities (CwC) team. He also volunteered with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and collaborated with individuals from various organizations.

In 2022, Yasin and his family became the first Rohingya family to be resettled in the United States after 2017. This opportunity, facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), transformed their lives. For Yasin, attending college in the United States fulfilled a long-held dream. Having endured systemic persecution and educational deprivation, gaining access to higher education in a new country symbolized hope and a brighter future.

Now, Yasin continues his education at the City Colleges of Chicago while working with Heartland Alliance to support resettled refugees. He remains a passionate advocate for international accountability regarding the genocide and crimes committed against the Rohingya by the Myanmar government. Determined to represent his marginalized community, Yasin addresses humanitarian needs and amplifies Rohingya voices on the global stage.

Yasin envisions a future where his people are no longer marginalized or discriminated against based on their ethnicity or religion. Despite settling in the United States, he has never forgotten his vulnerable community back in the refugee camps. In collaboration with other talented refugee youth, Yasin co-founded the Rohingya Youth Advocacy Network (RYAN), a platform where thousands of frontline Rohingya youths work tirelessly to uplift their generation. He also serves as an associate delegate at Refugee Congress.

In 2024, Yasin was honored with the Young Achiever Award by the Global Youth Parliament for his activism and remarkable life journey. This recognition celebrates his perseverance and dedication, inspiring him to continue his work for the betterment of his community. From persecution to becoming a beacon of hope for the Rohingya people, Yasin’s story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice.

“Alhamdulillah, I am content with the will of Allah. I am proud to be a Rohingya. I will never forget my community. It’s my dream to bring positive change for a better and peaceful tomorrow,” says Yasin Arfat.