Thursday - 7 November 2024: Bait Al Amanah co-organised a Migration Expert Workshop with a focus on how faith and religious communities supported refugees during their most challenging times, highlighting a less visible but essential aspect of the refugee experience with University Kebangsaan Malaysia, University Watan Kita, Institute Kajian Malaysia dan Antarabangsa (IKMAS), Malaysian International Studies Association (MYISA) and Centre for Human Rights Research & Advocacy (CENTHRA).
Our Head of Social Policy & Human Rights, Ms Simraatraj Kaur gave opening remarks for the event, highlighting the crucial role religion plays in the lives of Rohingya refugees. Ms Simraatraj highlighted that for one of the most persecuted and stateless communities globally, religious beliefs and networks provide a cornerstone of identity, resilience, and critical support. She states that faith-based organisations, like mosques, offer essential aid such as food, shelter, and spiritual guidance, helping preserve identity and foster a sense of belonging, particularly in host countries like Malaysia, where refugees face limited legal protections and economic opportunities. However, while religion uplifts, it also exposes the deep-rooted xenophobia, extremism, and intolerance that force many to flee. Religious communities have the power not only to support refugees but also to advocate for their rights, challenge prejudice, and foster understanding, contributing to more inclusive and empathetic societies.
The first session delved into The Role of Religion and Religious Networks in Building Greater Solidarity – Building from What Works in Malaysia. The session highlighted how religion and religious networks enhance solidarity with the Rohingya while emphasising the need to balance humanitarian, religious, and social considerations. These insights pave the way for strengthening Malaysia's support for refugees and promoting unity and respect.
Session 2 focused on Building Peace through Education and Dakwah – Role, Issue, and Challenge. The session highlighted the transformative power of education and dakwah in creating a harmonious and inclusive environment for the Rohingya in Malaysia. Speakers stressed that peace-building must integrate educational initiatives and religious outreach to foster empathy, conflict resolution, and mutual respect. Moving forward, a collaborative approach combining religious, educational, and community resources will be essential for enabling the Rohingya to thrive and positively contribute to Malaysian society.
Prior to Session 3, YBhg. Datuk Ahmad Azam Ab Rahman, Commissioner to the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), delivered a keynote address focused on fostering solidarity, peace, and an inclusive society. Datuk Ahmad Azam highlighted the educational needs of the Rohingya in Malaysia and Malaysia's role in addressing regional displacement within ASEAN. He emphasised the importance of religious and community values in refugee integration and urged Malaysia to lead in creating a compassionate society through improved education and coordinated care for the Rohingya.
Following the earlier sessions, session 3 focused on The Role of Religion and Religious Actors in Building a Stronger Community. The session defined a stronger community as one with trust, cohesion, and solidarity between Rohingya refugees and Malaysian hosts. It highlighted the central role of religion, religious actors, education, and collaboration with local authorities in fostering cohesion and understanding.
We believe this workshop underscores the need for a holistic approach that integrates spiritual, social, and educational support to build stronger, more inclusive communities. It offers an opportunity to deepen our understanding of how religious networks support Rohingya refugees and how the broader community can engage to amplify this support, fostering a society where everyone can find safety, dignity, and belonging.
Comments