The Canberra community came together, on Sunday 25 August gathering in front of the Myanmar Embassy, to mark the 7th year of the genocide of the Rohingya in Myanmar and show solidarity with the Rohingya community in Bangladesh, Australia and around the world.
The group first heard the lived experience of Ms Aaliyah Ahmad (name changed to protect her family in Myanmar) who gave a first hand account on the genocide.
This was followed by the Amnesty President of South NSW & ACT, Mr Stephen Rowe who detailed Amnesty’s barriers, opportunities and efforts to ease the pain of Rohingya.
Dr Tun Aung Shwe, the Australian representative of the National Union Government of Myanmar spoke on the soft diplomacy and hard reality and ASEAN’s role in implementing a solution.
Dr Tun Aung Shwe in front of the Myanmar embassy.
Nazmul Hassan, a Bangladeshi and local community leader, laid out the glimpse of hope for the Rohingya under the new interim government in Bangladesh.
Emma Davidson, ACT MLA and Minister Population Health, Harm Reduction Corrections and Justice Health, Mental Health, Community Services, Seniors & Veterans sent a message of love from Canberra to Rohingya.
Kathy Ragless, Board Member of the Australian Rohingya Welfare Organisation (ARWO), spoke on building capacity and resilience, and the challenges of dealing with traumatised Rohingya people.
Kathy Ragless, Director of Companion House.
Professor John Mins, professor Emeritus ANU and representing Canberra Refugee Action Campaign spoke about the Rohingya crisis and the role the Australian government needs to play.
Lastly Musa Hijazi, a Palestinian-Australian lawyer, spelt out the links between the plight of Gazans and Rohingya – Terrorism without borders – Israel & Myanmar.
Mussa Hijazi on Israel-Myanmar alliance and parallels.
The rally was concluded by a vote of thanks by the organiser Emad Soliman and a prayer by Osman Adam.
Comments