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Speakers at a webinar on Thursday opined that refugee youth are not mere victims of displacement but powerful agents of change, who are building resilient communities through education, leadership, and solidarity.
The Refugee Studies Unit (RSU) of Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ), BRAC University (BRACU) organised the event, titled "Resilient Together: Refugee Youth Leading the Way", marking the World Refugee Day 2025 today (Friday).
The event highlighted the theme 'Community as a Superpower' and celebrated the refugee-led responses to ongoing challenges in displacement contexts. CPJ Deputy Executive Director Shahariar Sadat moderated the session.
The webinar aimed to amplify refugee youth voices, showcase grassroots activism, and explore strategies for enhancing community-led resilience. The event renewed call for solidarity, education, and community-led solutions as key pillars of refugee resilience.
Abu Saleh Mohammad Obaidullah, Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (joint secretary), praised refugee youth for their role in promoting vaccine uptake, maternal care, and pop-up education.
Stressing the urgency of innovation amid declining aid, he called on young leaders to stay united and work towards sustainable solutions, including voluntary repatriation and global advocacy.
Michael Onyango, who has worked closely with the refugee communities in Kenya and Bangladesh, noted that the challenges of refugees - be it floods, social marginalisation, or displacement - mirror broader global issues. He encouraged all stakeholders to act with urgency and inclusivity.
Dr. Dave Dowland, Registrar of BRAC University, lauded the leadership, compassion, and resilience shown by young refugees.
He also urged the NGOs to involve the refugees in decision-making, and warned against the politics of hate that dehumanises the displaced people.
Highlighting the importance of dignity, he called for greater access to education and livelihoods.
Noor Islam, a Rohingya refugee learner from Cox's Bazar, shared how he transitioned from learning English to leading youth-focused life-skill boot camps in the Rohingya camps.
"Together we've launched 15 community projects - from clean-up drives to campaigns against child labour and preserving Rohingya heritage."
Rohingya youth leader Hazika described how shrinking NGO support has forced girls out of school and left women without mentors. In response, she volunteers as a community teacher, mentors girls, and conducts home visits to address cultural barriers to female education.
"Education is our only hope. We cannot let it collapse," she said, urging the donors and policymakers not to abandon the refugee-led education efforts.
From Kenya's Kakuma Refugee Camp, South Sudanese youth leader Robert Aharanya Claudio stated, "Even amid climate disasters and limited funding, the refugee youth rise to protect and serve their communities. We are not just survivors, we are leaders for a safer, stronger future."
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