Organization: Rohingya Youth Union (RYU)
Project Period: 4–27 December 2025
Location: Rohingya Refugee Camps, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Partners: Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN), Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies (IHRP), Mahidol University

Overview

From 4–27 December 2025, the Rohingya Youth Union (RYU) successfully conducted the Advocacy and Leadership for Refugee Youth program, an eight-session training designed to strengthen leadership, advocacy, and ethical engagement among Rohingya refugee youth.

The program engaged 22–24 participants, including young women, and followed a structured curriculum covering human rights, refugee law, advocacy strategies, gender-sensitive leadership, and public speaking. Sessions were facilitated by experts from Mahidol University and the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

Objectives

The project aimed to develop informed, ethical, and confident Rohingya youth leaders capable of advocating responsibly for their community. Specific goals included:

• Strengthening knowledge of refugee rights and advocacy frameworks

• Building practical skills in problem analysis, stakeholder mapping, and messaging

• Promoting gender-sensitive and intersectional leadership approaches

• Enhancing public speaking and project presentation abilities

• Establishing a foundation for ongoing youth-led advocacy under RYU

Methodology

The program used a participatory, learner-centered approach, combining:

• Short lectures

• Group discussions and case studies

• Role-plays and peer feedback

• Practical advocacy exercises

All activities were implemented in line with “do no harm” principles, ensuring safety, dignity, and inclusion for all participants.

Key Activities

1. Refugee Advocacy Context – Legal, political, and organizational frameworks

2. Stakeholders & Problem Analysis – Mapping community challenges

3. Messages, Audiences, Outcomes – Evidence-based advocacy strategies

4. Social Media Advocacy – Responsible use and messaging

5. Gender, Intersectionality & Networks – Inclusive leadership and collaboration

6. Advocacy Networks – Engagement with local and international organizations

7. Leadership & Project Management – Teamwork and ethical leadership

8. Advocacy Presentations – Participants showcased their advocacy projects

Participants

• Total: 22–24 youth per session

• Age: 20–25 years

• Gender: Male and female participants

• Participants came from diverse camp backgrounds, with special attention to female inclusion.

Results & Impact

Participant-Level Outcomes:

• Improved knowledge of refugee rights, advocacy, and ethical leadership

• Enhanced advocacy skills and public speaking confidence

• Increased awareness of gender and intersectional issues in leadership

Organizational-Level Outcomes:

• Strengthened RYU’s credibility and capacity to implement programs

• Improved collaboration with international networks

• Formation of an informal youth advocacy network

• Participants received Certificates of Completion jointly from APRRN, RYU, and IHRP

Challenges & Mitigation

Some minor issues with venue availability and movement within camps required schedule adjustments. These were addressed through flexible rescheduling, coordination with stakeholders, and continued focus on participant safety.

Organizational Progress

Through this project, RYU enhanced:

• Project management and coordination capacity

• Donor compliance and reporting experience

• Internal leadership and teamwork

• Recognition and trust within the community

This demonstrates RYU’s ability to deliver structured, high-quality programs in challenging humanitarian contexts.

Lessons Learned

• Youth-led facilitation increases trust and engagement

• Integrating leadership, advocacy, human rights, and peacebuilding strengthens responsible action

• Intentional gender inclusion improves participation and learning outcomes

These practices are replicable in other refugee or marginalized contexts.

Way Forward

Building on this success, RYU plans to:

• Support trained youth in peer-learning and community awareness initiatives

• Strengthen the youth advocacy network

• Explore follow-up training, mentoring, and dialogue programs

• Expand partnerships to scale youth leadership and advocacy initiatives

RYU remains committed to empowering Rohingya youth as positive agents of change.

 Access our Report Here