Rohingya children share their dreams in art exhibition
Amnesty International UK hosts Rohingya children’s art exhibition to support their education
An art exhibition featuring artwork by Rohingya refugee children was launched today at the Human Rights Action Centre in London by Amnesty International UK.
The "When I grow up" exhibition will continue till October 4. It features 13 drawings by Rohingya refugee children who were forced to flee their homes in Myanmar when the military there waged a campaign of ethnic cleansing two years ago.
Amnesty International UK is calling on the UK government to do more as part of the international community's efforts to support education for all including the Rohingya in Bangladesh.
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"For the past two years, Rohingya refugee children have had their lives put on hold. They have not seen the inside of a classroom since the Myanmar military violently forced them from their homes. At this rate, they risk becoming a lost generation," said Kate Allen, director of Amnesty International UK.
The exhibition includes the work of a nine-year old who dreams of becoming an engineer so that he can rebuild the homes that were destroyed in his community.
In another drawing, a 12-year-old sees herself becoming a teacher so that she can educate her community. A 10-year-old has drawn a plane, depicting his hopes of becoming a pilot so that he can visit his father in Malaysia, where he lives as a refugee.
During the exhibition, visitors, activists and supporters will also be able to send postcards to the Secretary of State showing solidarity for right to education for all in the affected community in Cox's Bazar.
"The UK must support Bangladesh with assistance that promotes an atmosphere of peace and coexistence with the host community until the Rohingya refugees are able to return to Myanmar in safe, voluntary and dignified conditions," said Kate Allen.
