Finding home: Participatory geospatial mapping with Rohingya refugees

Abstract

Despite decades of using community-based participatory mapping techniques, few studies have documented the oral histories of refugees and other displaced populations suffering from geographical injustices. This study fills the gap by documenting the process of participatory geospatial mapping with Rohingya refugees, a stateless ethnic minority group who fled to Bangladesh in response to ethnic violence in Myanmar, to collect their spatial narratives and migration stories. In this study, participatory mapping exercises were conducted using Google Earth Pro to collect qualitative data from 52 Rohingya adolescents and adults living in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar about their migration experiences. Findings were organized into six key themes including 1) Discrimination and unfair treatment in Myanmar; 2) Forced removal from land and houses being burned by the military; 3) Leaving family and livestock behind; 4) Dangers of migration; 5) Feelings of safety and security in Bangladesh; and 6) Positive elements and happy memories from home. Results from this project indicate that participatory mapping exercises can lend agency to those who have suffered geographical injustices as it helps to process trauma; validate and reframe lived experiences; empower marginalized voices to spur action towards change; and can provide insights to policy makers.