Our Story
From Statelessness and Refugee Life to Advocacy and Empowerment
About
Founding Right to Belong
Right to Belong was founded to confront the global crisis of forced displacement and to support the rights to refugees and stateless individuals. Inspired by the resilience of displaced populations, we strive to create a world where every individual can thrive and claim their Right to Belong.
We did not choose to be born stateless or to live in a world where our very existence is denied. But from these struggles, Right to Belong was born—created by those who have walked this difficult path, who have faced these challenges firsthand.
Our journey isn’t just shaped by policy or law; it’s shaped by lived experience. We know the pain of being invisible, of feeling like a burden simply because of who we are. We’ve lived in limbo, without a nationality or identity, and we’ve navigated broken asylum systems. We’ve fought for the simple right to be recognized, and we’ve seen firsthand the power of what it means to belong.
It is this lived experience that makes us different. Our work isn’t theoretical; it’s personal. We’ve felt the isolation, the fear, and the resilience it takes to survive. That’s why our approach is unique—we bring to the table not just knowledge, but an unmatched commitment to advocacy, legal empowerment, and community support. We understand the stakes because we’ve lived them. And we will not let others suffer in silence.
Our approach
Every day, millions remain displaced, invisible, and stateless. The time for change is now—your support can help make that happen.
Our Journey
The story of the founder from early years to founding of Right to Belong.
Early Life in Myanmar
Born in Myanmar, but never recognized as a citizen. Stateless from birth, denied basic rights—no access to education, healthcare, or freedom of movement.
Seeking safety
Forced to flee the violence in Myanmar, I found myself in a refugee camp in Bangladesh, living without a country or legal recognition. Despite the harsh conditions—overcrowded shelters, scarce resources, and constant uncertainty—hope persisted. Yet, even in exile, hope grew. Youth-led education and advocacy emerged within the camps, pushing for dignity and recognition.
Finding a new home, but not forgetting the past
Resettled in the UK, I was finally treated as a human being, granted the legal recognition I had never known. The contrast between the hardships of refugee life and the opportunities in the UK—education, healthcare, and employment—was stark. Yet, the trauma of statelessness lingered, fueling my drive to advocate for those still suffering.
In the UK, we joined other British Rohingyas to raise awareness of the genocide in Myanmar. Through demonstrations and campaigns, we forced the issue into the public and political eye, pushing for international sanctions and global recognition of the Rohingya crisis. Our efforts led to concrete changes, such as government condemnation of Myanmar’s violence and stronger refugee policies. Every campaign, march, and discussion strengthened our voice, securing greater visibility and support for the Rohingya.
Advocating for the Rights of Refugees and Stateless persons
Drawing from this experience and the deep understanding of the needs of displaced and stateless communities, Right to Belong was founded. It’s more than just an organization; it’s a commitment to fighting for the recognition and rights of stateless individuals worldwide. The lessons learned from the Rohingya advocacy work in the UK were invaluable in shaping our approach—prioritizing grassroots engagement, education, and direct action to address the root causes of statelessness.
With Right to Belong, we continue to build on the momentum of the past, expanding our efforts to ensure that the voices of displaced people are not only heard but also acted upon. Our goal is to turn the solidarity we’ve cultivated into lasting systemic change, advocating for the rights of all stateless individuals and refugees who are excluded from society and denied their basic human rights.