New Year Message
from the Chairman of the European Rohingya Council (ERC)
January 01, 2025
As we welcome the New Year, the European Rohingya Council (ERC) extends its warmest wishes to the Rohingya community and all our friends, supporters, and allies around the world.
The past year has been one of profound challenges and enduring resilience for the Rohingya people. Despite the genocide faced within Myanmar, many hardships in refugee camps and in exile, our collective spirit remains unbroken. Together, we continue to strive for justice, dignity, and a peaceful future for all Rohingya.
As we step into 2025, it is essential to acknowledge the continued suffering endured by our people. Rohingya refugees face dire conditions in overcrowded camps, with limited access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, healthcare, and education. These harsh realities are compounded by restrictions on freedom of movement and the constant threat of violence, making everyday life a struggle for survival.
In addition, the Rohingya community remains deprived of citizenship, with no legal recognition or rights in Myanmar and limited opportunities to rebuild lives in host countries. The lack of durable solutions has left many trapped in a cycle of poverty and insecurity, while hopes for repatriation to a safe and dignified homeland seem increasingly distant. Despite these immense challenges, our resilience and determination to fight for justice and human rights remain steadfast.
The ERC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and freedoms of the Rohingya. This year, we pledge to:
- Strengthen Advocacy Efforts: Amplifying the voices of the Rohingya to ensure that the international community remains engaged in our struggle for justice and accountability.
- Promote Education and Empowerment: Supporting initiatives that equip Rohingya youth and women with the tools they need to lead and inspire change.
- Foster Unity and Solidarity: Encouraging collaboration within the Rohingya community and with global partners to achieve shared goals.
The ERC urge the Arakan Army (AA) and Rakhine community to reflect on the shared history and heritage of our land. The Rohingya are the indigenous people of Arakan, with deep ties to the soil and culture that define this region. It is essential to end the violence and acts of genocide that have plagued our communities for far too long. Let us work together to create an environment where all ethnic groups, including the Rohingya, can coexist peacefully. The path to harmony requires understanding, respect, and a commitment to building a future based on justice, equality, and mutual dignity. Let this year be a turning point for peace and unity in Arakan.
To our allies and supporters, we express our deepest gratitude for standing with us. Your solidarity fuels our hope and strengthens our resolve to overcome the challenges we face.
To our Rohingya brothers and sisters, let us remain united, resilient, and hopeful. Together, we can continue building a path toward justice, peace, and a brighter future for generations to come.
May this New Year bring renewed strength, progress, and peace for us all.
Warm regards,
Khairul Amin
Chairman
European Rohingya Council (ERC)
info@theerc.eu