Annual Report 2023/2024
This year has been particularly significant for RANE, marked by a series of achievements in political advocacy, coalition-building, and innovative initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the Rohingya cause.
Political Campaigning and Advocacy RANE has been at the forefront of political campaigning, working tirelessly to influence policy and garner support for the Rohingya community. Our efforts included engaging with key stakeholders, lobbying for stronger international intervention, and raising awareness about the plight of the Rohingya people. These campaigns have not only amplified the voice of the Rohingya community but also strengthened our relationships with policymakers and influencers across the UK and beyond.
Strengthening Partnerships This year, we have continued to build on our longstanding partnerships with the British Rohingya Community (BRC) and the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK). These collaborations have been instrumental in our collective efforts to support the Rohingya community in the UK and abroad. Together, we have organized events, coordinated advocacy efforts, and provided crucial support to Rohingya refugees and diaspora communities.
Groundbreaking Initiative: Rohingya Memorial in Bradford One of the most significant milestones this year has been our leadership in the discussion and planning of establishing a Rohingya Memorial in Bradford. This initiative is set to make Bradford not only the first city in the UK but also the first in the world to unveil a memorial dedicated to the Rohingya. This memorial will serve as a powerful symbol of remembrance and resilience, honoring the victims of the Rohingya genocide and raising global awareness of their ongoing struggles.
In conclusion, the 2023/2024 period has been a year of growth, collaboration, and pioneering initiatives for RANE. We are proud of the strides we have made and remain committed to our mission of advocating for the Rohingya people and fostering a greater understanding of their plight in the UK and beyond.
Some of our highlights of the years:
Ramadan Food Packs
Although RANE has not actively led any fundraising campaigns, the trustees made a meaningful decision to distribute Ramadan food parcels. These efforts provided essential support to nearly 100 families, ensuring they had the necessary provisions for the holy month.
Monfalcone, Italy Photo Exhibition
The photo exhibition in Monfalcone, Italy, serves as a profound act of advocacy, bringing the ongoing Rohingya crisis into the public eye through powerful visual storytelling. This exhibition, organized by activists, features images captured by Rohingya refugee photographers within the camps, offering an intimate and authentic glimpse into the lives and struggles of the Rohingya people.
The exhibition is not just a display of photographs; it is a mobile awareness campaign, traveling through various streets of Monfalcone and stopping at multiple locations. At each stop, the exhibition draws attention to the plight of the Rohingya, fostering dialogue and understanding within the community.
A notable aspect of this event is the involvement of Habib Rahman, the Chair of RANE (Rohingya Action Network Europe), who delivered keynote speeches during rallies held at different stops of the exhibition. Rahman, alongside trustee Amad Ali, engaged with both government officials and
local community members, strengthening ties between activists and raising the profile of the Rohingya cause in Italy.
This exhibition underscores the power of photography as a tool for social justice, transforming the streets of Monfalcone into a platform for empathy, education, and action.
Refugee Week 2023
RANE Trustee Amad Ali welcomed visitors to the Rohingya exhibition held during Refugee Week, organized by the North of England Refugee Service on Thursday, 22nd June. This day also marked the 75th anniversary of the Windrush.
The exhibition featured powerful images depicting life in the world's largest refugee camp in Cox's Bazar. These images were captured by Rohingya photographers, offering a unique perspective on the refugee experience.
Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day 2023
The event marking the 6th anniversary of the Rohingya genocide on August 25, 2023, was a significant occasion that drew attention to the ongoing plight of the Rohingya people. This tragic event commemorates the forced displacement of nearly 800,000 Rohingya individuals from Myanmar by the Burmese military in 2017, a brutal campaign of violence and persecution that has left lasting scars on the community.
Ann Schofield, the Vice Chair of RANE (Refugee Action Network in Europe), highlighted the dire situation within the refugee camps where many Rohingya have been living in squalid conditions for years. Her remarks likely emphasized the urgent need for continued international attention and support for the Rohingya, who remain stateless and in precarious situations both in Bangladesh and elsewhere.
The event also featured voices from the Rohingya community itself, with two young women living in Newcastle sharing their personal experiences. Their testimonies would have brought a poignant, human perspective to the crisis, underscoring the ongoing impact on the lives of those who survived the genocide and are now rebuilding their lives far from their homeland.
Additionally, Nicu Ion, Newcastle's only Roma councillor, spoke at the event. His involvement highlights the broader solidarity among marginalized communities and the importance of advocacy and representation in addressing issues of injustice and human rights abuses globally.
This gathering not only commemorated a dark chapter in recent history but also served as a platform for raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and encouraging continued efforts to seek justice and a better future for the Rohingya people.
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Rohingya Memorial Stone
In a groundbreaking meeting held in August 2023, the RANE (Rohingya Action Network Europe) Chair met with Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, the Leader of Bradford City Council, to discuss a significant proposal: the establishment of a "Rohingya Memorial" at the peace garden of the Town Hall in Bradford. This meeting marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to honour the Rohingya community and highlight the city's role in supporting refugees.
Bradford holds a distinctive place in the UK as the only city that participated in the UNHCR Gateway Protection Programme during 2008/09, through which it welcomed around 100 Rohingya families. This programme was designed to provide a safe haven for refugees in need of protection, and Bradford’s involvement highlights the city’s commitment to humanitarian efforts and supporting vulnerable communities.
The proposed Rohingya Memorial would not only serve as a symbol of remembrance for the atrocities faced by the Rohingya people but also as a testament to Bradford's dedication to diversity, inclusion, and peace. It would be a place for reflection and education, ensuring that the history and experiences of the Rohingya are not forgotten. The memorial could also strengthen the connection between the city and its Rohingya community, fostering greater understanding and solidarity among all residents.
Rohingya Action North East Projected Income & Expenditures For The Period 01 Apr 2023 to 31 Mar 2024
| Balance carried forward | £2,262.53 |
|---|---|
| Public Donation | £0.00 |
| Total | £2,262.53 |
Less Expenses
| Wages & Salary | £0.00 | |
|---|---|---|
| Web &donation platform management | £0.00 | |
| Printing/Resources/Photo Exhibition | £0.00 | |
| Rent, Rate, Power | £0.00 | |
| Phone & Stationery | £0.00 | |
| Relief Work | £1,000.00 | |
| £1,000.00 |
Excess income over Expenditure
£1,262.53