A new photographic exhibition documents the plight of Rohingya refugees fleeing ethnic cleansing in Burma and currently in refugee camps in Bangladesh.
A launch event was attended by members of the UK’s Rohingya diaspora community, some of whom met with Government officials in November last year to share their views on the crisis and discuss the UK’s response.
The exhibition by Adib Chowdhury lays bare the human cost of ethnic cleansing, recounting the violence and suffering through photographs and personal accounts. Each photo is accompanied by a handwritten testimony from the subject.
Adib Chowdhury is a British-Bangladeshi photojournalist who has travelled to conflict zones around the world, including Syria and Burma, to shine a light on the plight of refugees.
Chowdhury’s unique work is displayed alongside Government commissioned images recording the impact of UK aid.
Foreign Office Minister Mark Field opens an exhibition showing the plight of Rohingya refugees
Foreign & Commonwealth Office Minister for Asia and the Pacific Mark Field said, “I pay tribute to the commitment, energy and generosity shown by the British people, especially the British-Bangladeshi and wider Muslim community in supporting those affected by the Rohingya crisis.
"The UK Government will continue to work with its international partners to try to resolve this crisis, and to hold to account those that are responsible for it.”
Britain has so far pledged £59 million to support the 688,000 Rohingya who have fled to Bangladesh in the wake of humanitarian crisis created by the Burmese military.
Speaking at the exhibition, Adib Chowdhury said, “The exhibition is designed to tell the first-hand account of the Rohingya and give them a voice.
"The situation in Burma has been a horrific tragedy for many thousands of people, and I hope the photos will help to convey the unimaginable pain they have gone through.”
Nijam Uddin, General Secretary of the British Rohingya Community (BRC), said, “We’re pleased to have been invited to join this event and meet with Minister Field. The British Rohingya Community really appreciates that the UK Government is standing with us.”
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