UNHCR and NU Care-LAZISNU team at Mina Raya shelter, Pidie, Aceh Province.© UNHCR/A. Jufrian
On December 11, 2024, NU Care-LAZISNU visited a Rohingya refugee shelter in Pidie, Aceh Province. This visit was conducted in collaboration with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, which holds a specific mandate to protect refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless people. The visit highlighted the importance of cross-organizational collaboration in addressing global humanitarian issues.
NU Care-LAZISNU, an Islamic philanthropic organization under Nahdlatul Ulama, has demonstrated its commitment to supporting Rohingya refugees. The assistance provided included donations and food, directly distributed to the refugees. This aid distribution reflects NU Care-LAZISNU’s dedication to supporting the Rohingya, a minority Muslim group from Myanmar facing violence and persecution in their homeland.
The UNHCR and NU Care-LAZISNU team had a conversation with female refugees to find out the conditions and needs in the refugee camps. © UNHCR/A. Jufrian
During the visit, Riri Khariroh, a board member of NU Care-LAZISNU PBNU, emphasized that providing aid to Rohingya refugees is a tangible contribution to humanity. “This is a humanitarian call for us at NU Care-LAZISNU, and at the very least, we can make a small contribution to support the Rohingya refugees in Aceh,” Riri explained.
A total of 170 Rohingya refugees at the Mina Raya shelter in Pidie Regency received food assistance. This initiative aims to ease the burden of the refugees and support their survival amid challenging circumstances.
UNHCR and NU Care-LAZISNU team at Mina Raya shelter, Pidie, Aceh Province. © UNHCR/A. Jufrian
Furthermore, Muhammad Thoriq Helmi, Associate PPH Officer (Islamic Philanthropy), highlighted the strategic partnership between UNHCR and NU Care-LAZISNU. He expressed gratitude for NU Care-LAZISNU’s significant contribution to sustaining programs for Rohingya refugees. “We thank NU Care-LAZISNU. Their assistance, which involves the local community, is highly beneficial. The continuation of this program is crucial for Rohingya refugees as it helps improve children’s learning opportunities and empowers Rohingya women and mothers,” he explained.
One of the Rohingya refugees, Hasyimullah (40), speaking on behalf of the refugees, expressed gratitude for the month-long food aid provided by NU Care-LAZISNU. “The refugees here are very grateful for the food assistance given by Nahdlatul Ulama. Once again, we thank you for your attention, care, and support,” said Hasyimullah in fluent Indonesian.
This visit was not only a significant moment to deliver aid but also an opportunity to witness the refugees’ living conditions firsthand and hear their aspirations. This allows UNHCR and NU Care-LAZISNU to discuss further collaboration and design more effective and sustainable assistance programs in the future.
The collaboration between NU Care-LAZISNU and UNHCR reflects a spirit of humanitarian solidarity that transcends religion, culture, and national boundaries. On a broader scale, this effort highlights the critical role of humanitarian organizations and international agencies in supporting vulnerable communities like the Rohingya refugees.
Through its assistance programs for refugees with UNHCR, NU Care-LAZISNU reaffirms its commitment to upholding humanitarian values while strengthening Nahdlatul Ulama’s role as an organization concerned with global issues. With a spirit of mutual cooperation and compassion, it is hoped that Rohingya refugees can achieve a dignified and decent life.
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