Priyanka Chopra is not only the star of Quantico, countless Bollywood films and possibly a new Marvel Superhero, but is also an ambassador for children's rights as part of the UNICEF Goodwill program. Priyanka is currently in Bangladesh and has been very vocal on social media about her work there and the issues concerning the children of Bangladesh who have escaped persecution in Myanmar. Celebrities with a global reach such as Priyanka have a responsibility to be vocal about issues pertaining to marginalised and persecuted individuals who don't have platform of their own to speak out about what they need and what is important to them. Refugees in general in the past few years, have been viewed in negative light in Western Countries. Every post she has shared of her experiences there have featured locals and empowering messages about the people and children in need.

image from @PriyankaChopra on Instagram.com

The visit has truly opened her eyes, she declared that there needs to be more support for the Rohingya refugee children and women “After seeing the distressing images of the Rohingya crisis unfolding last year, being here and meeting the children and families affected has helped me better understand the enormity of this crisis,” said Chopra. “Nearly 60 per cent of the more than 700,000 refugees are children, living in desperately difficult conditions – with limited access to permanent shelter, clean and safe water, food and education.”

Image from @PriyankaChopra on Instagram.com

Priyanka's eyes have surely been opened to the plight of the Rohingya refugee children, “In the past four days, I’ve seen the incredible work that UNICEF and partners are undertaking, and the progress made in these makeshift camps in the last 9 months, but there is still so much more support needed. The kids I met were smiling but I could still see a sadness in their eyes that reflected the carnage and horror they witnessed. Yet at the same time, meeting children at a learning centre, I saw real hope. I saw children happy, learning and playing. I saw enthusiasm and children living their childhood the way it’s meant to be. There are so many more children eager to go to school. Because of lack of space, only a fraction of these children has access to the basic education provided by UNICEF.”

Priyanka's UNICEF trip to Bangladesh has exposed the unimaginable lives of the refugees, children are tested and treated for malnourishment and live with none of the creature comforts that most people view as personal necessities. Aside from the hardships, Priyanka definitely appreciated seeing smiles, hope and kindness at the refugee facilities provided for by the government of Bangladesh. “It’s heartening to see the immense support that has been provided by the Government of Bangladesh. They have not just opened their hearts but have made every effort to accommodate as many refugees as they can. We have to care. The whole world has to care and take action."

Priyanka is truly a global citizen; showing concern and initiative to help those around the world. She's using her platform and voice to benefit others who are not nearly as fortunate. For those of you who are not aware about the Rohingya crisis, it is the world's fastest growing refugee crisis. The crisis came to head in August of 2017 but has been on going, with no show of improvement in Myanmore. 700,000 people have escaped persecution in Myanmore for refuge in Bangladesh. The persecution in question involved a quite deliberate ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya people; a muslim minority in Myanmore which is a predominately Buddhist country. Myanmore of course denies intentionally targeting innocent citizens (because what country wants to be called out for ETHNIC CLEANSING in 2018?!) but journalists and government officials of intervening countries have evidence that says otherwise.

image from theasianage.com

Overall the Rohingya Refugee crisis is a huge injustice, it is amazing that Priyanka Chopra, UNICEF and the government of Bangladesh are doing all they can to help. It's important to strive to be aware of the hardships of individuals around the world, that way we can all be Global Citizens. An individuals geographic location, their belief system and the colour of their skin should not impact any human being's access to healthcare and education let alone their right to be safe in their own home without fear of being persecuted by their own government. If you want to help the Rohingya Refugees; you can donate to UNICEF by clicking the link below! UNICEF helps provide safe water, vaccinations for the Rohingya refugees.

By Daman Grewal.