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JN was born
JN was born in Myanmar in a Muslim Rohingya family, where his parents had lived for more than 50 years. Even though he was a real citizen there, he was called "illegal immigrant" growing up. The Myanmar military government denied them citizenship because of their religion, and claimed that they were illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. He only received a temporary residence card. He lived in Myanmar for 19 years, but always faced discrimination. -
Anti-Rohingya violence
Anti-Rohingya violence became rampant in Myanmar and security forces would barge into Rohingya homes and drag them away. Because the Myanmar military won the war, they raided these homes because they were a "threat to authority". He had to hide, sometimes in the forest, and constantly lived in fear. -
JN fleeing Myanmar
At the time, he was studying at Sittwe University when he decided to leave due to the increasing anti-Rohingya violence. To avoid becoming a refugee, he took a paddleboat to Bangledesh, and moved to India, then China. However, in these places he was at constant risk of being arrested. He decided to go to Australia as it was a safe place because it signed a UN convention for refugees and asylum seekers. (go to pt2) -
JN fleeing Myanmar pt 2
After deciding to go to Australia, he went through Thailand, risking his life and got shot at the border. He then fled to Malaysia and then Indonesia. He got on a boat from Indonesia to Australia but unfortunately got caught and was arrested. He was sent back to Indonesia as a refugee and put into a refugee camp. -
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JN spent 8 years in Indonesia
He spent 8 years in Indonesia as a refugee, locked in a detention centre then moved to a community shelter. He met many refugees from other countries, and during his stay, he also took online university courses and wrote articles for news outlets. He was threatened to be deported and detained for life if he didn't stop writing, but he didn't stop in hope of finding a place he could live freely. During these 8 years, he also protested a lot about the poor treatment of refugees. -
JN was approved to come to Canada
In 2020, his application to come to Canada as a refugee was approved. He would live in Canada, have a home, and have a legal existence. This would be the first country where he wouldn't be discriminated against because of his religion or because he was a refugee. -
JN moves to Canada
In September 2021, he finally moved to Canada. There, he met his sponsors who were legally responsible for him until he receives his Canadian citizenship. They helped him create a bank account, which wasn't allowed in Myanmar. He also received a health card and photo ID, which to him was validation that he belonged in Canada. -
JN receives Canadian citizenship
In April 2022, he received his permanent resident card. Now, he lives in a place where he has a home, and can study, work, access healthcare and eventually vote. He still cares and worries for Rohingya refugees, the refugees he met in Indonesia and his family who he left in Myanmar. He continues to advocate for better refugee treatment.