The Past is Never Over

Now that Maung has learned about the history of the Rohingya community, he begins working towards an escape route. He hopes to leave the refugee camp and get an education so that he can advocate for his community. But his freedom of movement is limited and educational resources are scarce. This week, host Ngofeen Mputubwele charts Maung’s journey out of the refugee camp in Bangladesh and into New York City.

But even when Maung, and other refugees like him, settle into their new homes, the human rights abuses they have suffered linger. How is mental health impacted not only by past atrocities, but also by the current systemic mistreatment of refugees? And with refugees becoming political flash points across the world, what can be done to support refugee communities around the globe?

Maung Sawyeddollah: Agent of Change, Rohingya Muslim

Philippe Bolopion: Executive Director, Human Rights Watch

Nadia Hardman: Researcher, Refugee and Migrant Rights Division at Human Rights Watch

Emina Ćerimović: Associate Director, Disability Rights Division at Human Rights Watch

Spyros Orfanos: Director, New York University’s Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis