The renaissance of Rohingya culture unfolding at the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar is an outstanding example of resolve and verve (“The fuller Rohingya story is much more than the collective suffering of the people at the hands of Myanmar’s military,” Feb.19, Gulf Today).

Furthermore the narrative carries a lot of emotion because it is penned by a genocide survivor. I wish to applaud the spirit of the refugees. It is not always that we read of instances of collective will which seeks to transcend the pain of living as a refugee. The camps in Cox’s Bazar are overcrowded. Packed to the brim with families consisting of babies and children, some of them in need to extensive medical help. And yet there is hope in their hearts.

While the global community is impressing upon the Myanmar government to make adequate arrangement so as to let the refugees return home safely, and be accorded full protection and recognition as citizens, the progress is dismal.

But until that happens, it is admirable to see multiple government and relief organizations providing them with provisions and medical supplies. In that respect the UAE needs praise. The country’s humanitarian initiatives have gone a long way in alleviating the sufferings of the refugees. I also commend the untiring selfless work put in the by the Emirati volunteer doctors at the field hospitals.

Rauf Beig
By email