(COX’S BAZAR, June 10, 2021)—In a recorded statement produced for a panel discussion of No Place on Earth, a book by award-winning photographer Patrick Brown documenting the Rohingya genocide, Fortify Rights Rohingya Media Fellow Dil Kayas expressed her love for and the power of photography.
“Since childhood, I wanted to be a photographer,” said Dil Kayas. “That’s my dream. But in Myanmar we face discrimination. I wasn’t able to pursue my dream. I upload my photographs on Instagram. I’ve uploaded many photos. The world can see how refugees live in the camps through my photos.”
As one of three Rohingya refugee Media Fellows supported by Fortify Rights and Doha Debates, Dil Kayas has been learning the art of photography and documenting life for Rohingya refugees in one of the world’s largest refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Her photos, and those of Media Fellows Azimul Hasson and Omal Khair, are curated and posted for the world to see on Instagram @azimulhass, @dilkayas, and @omalkha.
FotoEvidence, the publishers of No Place on Earth, organized the event, which also included Fortify Rights CEO Matthew Smith, journalist and filmmaker Jason Motlagh, and the author, Patrick Brown.