The history of RCN
Rohingya Community in Norway, abbreviated RCN, was established in Kristiansand following extensive consultations with Rohingya residents living in Norway. The need for a shared organisation grew among Rohingya people who wanted to strengthen their community, preserve their identity and contribute positively to Norwegian society.
Several members of the Rohingya community took part in a three-day meeting at the home of Abdus Salam Chaliss, also known as U Hla Maung. This meeting laid the foundation for RCN as an organisation for Rohingya people in Norway. Sayed Hussein was elected as its first chairperson. He led the organisation until July 2011 and played an important role in building RCN during its early years.
Following Sayed Hussein’s term, Khairul Amin was elected chairperson in 2011. He continued the work of strengthening the organisation and bringing the Rohingya community in Norway together.
Under Khairul Amin’s leadership, RCN established contact with Norwegian authorities and developed an important dialogue about the situation of the Rohingya. He visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs several times to provide first-hand information about the persecution, human rights violations and grave conditions facing the Rohingya. During the same period, RCN held several demonstrations outside the Norwegian Parliament to draw attention to the genocide against the Rohingya and urge Norway and the international community to act.
In 2015, Nora Zahid was elected chairperson and continued the organisation’s work with a focus on community, integration and preserving Rohingya culture and identity. Imran Ali was elected chairperson in 2019. In 2024, Abdus Salam Chaliss, also known as U Hla Maung, was elected and is the current chairperson of RCN.
Our purpose and work in Norway
Since its establishment, RCN’s main objective has been to support Rohingya people living in Norway. The organisation seeks to help Rohingya people integrate quickly and successfully into Norwegian society while preserving their language, culture, traditions and identity. RCN believes that successful integration does not mean losing one’s background, but being able to participate actively in society while preserving what is important to one’s history and sense of belonging.
RCN works to ensure that Rohingya people in Norway understand their rights and responsibilities, participate in society and contribute to a diverse Norway. The organisation aims to serve as a bridge between the Rohingya community and Norwegian society. Through information, guidance, community and cooperation, RCN seeks to improve opportunities for education, employment, civic participation and social inclusion.
International cooperation and human rights
In addition to its work in Norway, RCN cooperates with Rohingya and non-Rohingya organisations, as well as Norwegian and international authorities. This cooperation aims to promote Rohingya rights and draw attention to the severe persecution they have faced in Myanmar. RCN works to ensure that the international community does not forget the suffering of the Rohingya and that justice, accountability and lasting solutions remain on the agenda.
Humanitarian work
RCN has also been involved in humanitarian work, providing aid and support to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. In 2016, RCN representatives travelled to Bangladesh to distribute food rations and assist refugees living in difficult conditions. This work was funded by donations collected from members and supporters in Norway.
The humanitarian work continues. RCN raises funds from members and other supporters to help vulnerable Rohingya people, particularly refugees and families in difficult circumstances. The organisation considers solidarity, responsibility and community to be important values both in Norway and internationally.
The way forward
Through its work, RCN aims to be a voice for Rohingya people in Norway and internationally. The organisation will continue to work for integration, cultural preservation, human rights, humanitarian assistance and justice. RCN remains committed to contributing to an inclusive Norwegian society while raising the voices, history and rights of the Rohingya people.