During May, REAL trained 40 families to garden. We then followed up by distributing seeds, materials and sajna saplings. The seeds will produce lentils, sorghum, eggplant (brinjal) and gourds, which are familiar to the families and highly nutritious. The families are now preparing their plots and will soon begin planting. REAL will monitor progress during the harvest.

Phase 1 of our project produced over a ton of gourds and gourds will again lead the way in phase 2. Gourds are easy to grow, rich in nutrients and popular with nursing mothers because they contain a lot of water (needed in breast milk). They are also easy to digest. Cooked gourds are low in calories but a kilo can sell for 150 taka ($1.2) in the market – enough to buy 3 protein-rich eggs.

On May 4 Abdul Halim, the Commander-in-Chief of ARO, an armed faction, was killed in Camp 8W. According to local sources, he was ambushed by attackers using gunfire and knives while traveling by motorcycle. Two others were also injured. The incident has caused growing concern around targeted violence in the camps.

We are mourning the loss of Azida Begum, a mother of two who was killed and then hanged by her husband on May 25 in Kutupalong Camp. One daughter witnessed the murder and is deeply traumatized. The community is calling for greater protection for women and children and support for the family as they cope with this tragic loss.

For Eid al-Adha, families in Camp 15 received Qurbani meat through a buffalo donation. Rohingyas know Qurbani as the sharing meat from a sacrificed animal during Eid. Community volunteers helped distribute the meat to households across the camp. For many families who were not able to sacrifice themselves, the donation provided an opportunity to participate in the holiday and share with each other.

Online misinformation is fueling discrimination against Rohingyas. A recent Change.org petition calling for the removal of Rohingya refugees from Malaysia gained over 420,000 signatures before being placed under review We are now pushing for it to be permanently taken down. This incident highlights the rise of misinformation on public platforms and the need for accurate journalism. Read the report.

A recent report by Human Rights Watch has analyzed a notorious massacre of Rohingya villagers by the Arakan Army in Myanmar on May 22 2024. At least 170 people were killed by AA fighters at Hoyyar Siri while fleeing fighting between the Burmese army and AA. Omar Ahmod, a survivor of the massacre, courageously returned to Hoyyar Siri and took photos of human remains, as shown above and on the front cover of the HRW report. Many survivors are still displaced. REAL joins the call for a full investigation.

Rohingya refugees face serious health risks linked to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited access to clean water. Families say preventable illnesses are common and particularly dangerous to young children. Health workers are also worried about the impact of international aid cuts given that the health sector received $23 million of the $45 million sought in 2025. REAL calls for sustained support to improve health care, sanitation, and living conditions for thousands of vulnerable children growing up in the camps.