Newcastle unveils world’s first permanent Rohingya memorial

Newcastle upon Tyne made history on 12 April as Newcastle upon Tyne became the first city in the world to unveil a permanent memorial dedicated to the victims of the Rohingya genocide.

The landmark memorial, located in Newcastle City Council’s Peace Garden, was officially unveiled following a civic ceremony at the council chamber and a procession led by the lord mayor. The initiative, led by Independent Newcastle councillor and human rights advocate Habib Rahman, represents a powerful commitment to remembrance, justice, and global awareness.

Rahman, formerly the city’s first Muslim and Black lord mayor, hosted the formal civic event. It featured contributions from a distinguished group of speakers, including:

• Councillor Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council.
• Ann Schofield, of Rohingya Action North East.
• Tun Khin, president of the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK.
• Nur Huda, chairman of the British Rohingya Community.
• Dr M Nazrul Islam, acting high commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK.
• Genocide experts, historians and human rights activists Dr Maung Zarni and Dr Nat Brinham.
• Ruby Moe, Amnesty International UK country coordinator for Myanmar.
• Richard Kotter, chair of Amnesty Newcastle.
• Sirazul Islam, born in Kutupalong refugee camp, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, now a trainee corporate lawyer and an activist.
• Rohingya campaigner Shaukat Ahmed MBE.
• Alice Gaparay, of the North East Rwandan Association.
• Mohammed Wafi, of the Palestinian Community North East.

The procession to the Peace Garden was led by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Henry Gallagher and Mayor of Sunderland, Cllr Ehthesham Hoque, who formally unveiled the memorial.

Rohingya memorial born from collaboration

Developed through a collaboration between Newcastle City Council, Rohingya Action North East, the British Rohingya Community, and the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK, the memorial stands as a permanent tribute to the Rohingya genocide victims and survivors.

Rahman said:

This is a historic moment not just for Newcastle, but for the global community. Today we honour the lives lost, the resilience of survivors, and send a clear message that genocide must never be ignored or forgotten. This memorial stands as a permanent reminder of our shared responsibility to speak out against injustice and to uphold human dignity.

The Rohingya people have endured decades of persecution, culminating in a campaign of mass violence, displacement, and atrocities that forced over a million people to flee their homes. The memorial seeks to ensure their suffering is formally recognised and remembered.

Tun Khin, president of the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK, said:

For the Rohingya community, recognition matters deeply. For too long, our suffering has been denied, ignored and pushed aside while the world failed to act. Generations of Rohingya have endured violence, displacement and loss without acknowledgement or justice.

This memorial is a powerful symbol that our pain is acknowledged, that our voices matter and that the truth cannot be erased.

We are deeply grateful to councillor Habib Rahman for his leadership and determination in making this memorial a reality, and we thank Newcastle City Council for this powerful act of solidarity with the Rohingya community.

This is an important step towards recognition and justice that the Rohingya people have long been denied. It sends a clear message far beyond this city- that Rohingya people everywhere are not forgotten.

Nijam Uddin, representing the British Rohingya Community, added:

This memorial is a place of reflection, dignity, and education. It honours those we have lost and gives strength to those who continue to live with the trauma of genocide. It also serves as a vital tool to educate future generations so that such atrocities are never repeated.

We extend our sincere thanks to councillor Habib Rahman for his vision and drive, and to Newcastle City Council for their support and commitment to recognising the Rohingya people’s suffering.

The British Rohingya Community, the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK, and Rohingya Action North East jointly funded the memorial.

Beyond remembrance, the initiative also reinforces the importance of education, awareness, and continued advocacy for justice and accountability. Permanent memorials play a crucial role in:

• Honouring victims.
• Acknowledging survivors.
• Educating future generations.
• Challenging denial and historical revisionism.

As visitors gather at the Peace Garden in the years to come, the memorial will stand as a lasting testament to the Rohingya people’s place in history and a call to action for the international community.

Featured image supplied