Helal Uddin epitomizes resilience and dedication within the Rohingya community, embodying the roles of both teacher and youth activist. Born on April 3, 1999, in Aung Seik Pyint village, Maungdaw, Arakan state of Myanmar, his life’s purpose centers on uplifting his people and advocating for youth rights.
Forced to flee to Bangladesh by the Myanmar military in 2017, Helal’s path took a drastic turn. Despite being under 18 years old, his dream of becoming a teacher gave way to the urgent need to defend human rights amidst persecution. Undeterred by challenges, he emerged as a prominent spokesperson for the Rohingya Aid & Empowerment Network.
Simultaneously, Helal undertakes the vital task of nurturing the next generation by founding and managing a community-based school focused on youth development. His tireless endeavors underscore the transformative potential of education and activism in advancing justice and equality. Through unwavering dedication, Helal inspires generations to strive for a brighter future.
Moreover, Helal excels as a documenter and researcher, honing his expertise through international training and mentorship from leading figures in the field. He contributes significantly to documenting human rights violations for Transitional Justice and the broader Peace process through advocacy efforts. Helal’s comprehensive documentation addresses violations by all conflict actors, including issues concerning Rohingya victims and witness families in refugee camps in Bangladesh.