Rohingya Refugee Crisis in Bangladesh by Larry Louie
Approximately 1 million Rohingya refugees fled Myanmar due to persecution. Many settled in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh. These refugee camps are located on the hills outside of Cox Bazaar in an informal setting. The high population of refugees, with over 60% being women and children and an estimated 80,000 newborns this year, are at a significantly higher risk of health issues, violence and human trafficking. Over 580,000 children live in the camps. The fortunate ones are with family who can provide protection, while many others are separated from their families and left to care for themselves and their younger siblings alone. Watching them move in the field with an adult gaze we can only imagine what horrors and atrocities they witnessed and endured on their journey to get here.
Even though the rolling hills are beautiful, the refugees' lives have only been bearable because of foreign aid. Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the world and lacks the resources to provide adequate assistance. The media coverage has shed light on the dire situation, but more support is needed to improve the living conditions of these vulnerable individuals. Unfortunately, the country has a considerable number of its local population living in abject poverty and are unable to help themselves. With no foreseeable long-term solution in sight and the inability to work legally in Bangladesh, the future appears bleak for these individuals.
To appreciate the beauty of a landscape, we must open our eyes.
To appreciate its people, we must open our minds.
Dr. Larry Louie is a Canadian optometrist and documentary photographer. His work has earned him international accolades. Using his optometry and photography skills, he raises awareness about social issues. At his clinic, he provides vision enhancement services to people from all walks of life. When he travels, he becomes a humanitarian documentary photographer, exploring the lives of remote indigenous communities and documenting social issues around the world. He hopes to inspire people and bring about positive change through his photographs. His work has been exhibited in various places around the world.
I reach beyond the darkness to capture the hope of light,
that is where my camera speaks……
