European Rohingya Council office in Saudi Arabia

31 January 2013

Desk REPORT

European Rohingya Council (ERC) announced opening of its office in Saudi Arabia.

In the inauguration program ERC gave reception to the Director General of Arakan Rohingya Union (ARU). The program took place in Jeddah.

Rohingya community living in Saudi Arabia warmly welcomed opening of office of ERC in Saudi Arabia. It was a significant step after a successful visit to Bangladesh by Mr. Mohammad Ibrahim, Media and Information Secretary ERC. Ceremony was organized by Saudi Rohingya community and held at Kababish Restaurant on January 27, 2013.

Prof. Dr. Wakar Uddin, Director General of Arakan Rohingya Union (ARU), was present along with Abu Salman, Secretary for Foreign Affairs in Rohingya Jaliyat Saudi Arabia. Dr. Wakar attended the ceremony while on his visit to OIC and Rohingya Jaliyat Saudi Arabia.

Following the opening ceremony, Mohammad Arif was announced as a Representative of ERC Saudi Arabia. It was urgency due to the ongoing situations of Rohingya particularly in Arakan as well as a plan by ERC to extend Rohingya Development in the Gulf region. The meeting started with a welcome speech by Mohammad Arif, where he thanked Dr. Wakar, Mr. Abu Salman and all other participants for attending the meeting on this important cause of Rohingya political and human rights in Myanmar.

ERC’s council views Saudi Arabia as the most important place to work for the Rohingya of Arakan state because of the large Rohingya population dwelling in the kingdom and their patriotism towards their motherland Arakan and community services and their years of sacrifices in the cause of Rohingya. However, our people have not enjoyed optimum result of the contributions and investment our brothers have made throughout the struggles.

Mr. Abu Salman, Rohingya Jaliyat Saudi Arabia described Rohingya situations in Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and other countries. Also about the sufferings of Rohingya refugees. He described objectives of ERC and pledged cooperation with ARU, Jaliyat Saudi and other Rohingya and non-Rohingya organizations to relieve the plights of Rohingya people.

Mohammad Arif expressed his deep appreciation to all the participants for attending the meeting and reiterated that it will be a privilege for ARU and Rohingya Jaliyat Saudi to work in coordination and collaboration with ERC Saudi Arabia and other Rohingya and non-Rohingya organizations to find a durable solution for the Rohingya people in Myanmar as well as on going violence issues related to Myanmar Muslims and other ethnic minorities in Myanmar.

In the meeting Mohammad Ibrahim, Media Secretary of ERU said, the situation in the refugee camps were worsening day by day. There are no opportunities for the refugees in the camps to work and earn their livings and humanitarian assistance provided by international organizations and NGOs doesn’t reach to them. Besides, these vulnerable refugees are oppressed by the Bangladesh authorities and some unruly people while there are several humanitarian problems existing there.

Posted by The Stateless