Arakan News Agency | Exclusive
In a scene that reflects the resilience of the human spirit in the face of the toughest circumstances, a group of Rohingya boys found joy and a sense of freedom behind the barbed wires of the refugee camp by playing a traditional game known as Chelion, despite the muddy ground and the harsh living conditions surrounding them.
The laughter and lively energy that fill the air with every move in the game remind everyone that hope and determination can thrive even in the most difficult environments, and that moments of happiness and joy are still possible despite the barriers and daily struggles faced by the refugees.
This traditional game is more than just a form of entertainment; it reflects the spirit of the Rohingya community that clings to life, continues to dream, and seeks moments of joy and freedom despite all restrictions and hardships. It also provides the children with a psychological and social outlet that helps them cope with their difficult lives inside the camp.
This scene underscores the Rohingya community’s ability to endure and innovate in the face of challenges and highlights the importance of cultural and traditional activities in preserving the human spirit of children in refugee camps.
Bangladesh currently hosts more than one million Rohingya refugees in the Cox’s Bazar camps, which the United Nations classifies as the largest refugee settlement in the world. The refugees have been living there under dire humanitarian conditions since fleeing Myanmar in 2017 due to the “genocidal campaign” carried out by the Myanmar military against them. New waves of displacement to Bangladesh have continued since renewed fighting erupted in Rakhine State between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) in November 2023.
