Indian authorities accused of forcing Rohingya refugees into sea close to Myanmar by United Nations agency, as refugees share their accounts.
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India's treatment of Rohingya refugees has sparked international outrage after reports emerged of mass forced returns into dangerous conditions at sea. The United Nations and human rights organizations have demanded an end to these inhumane actions, deemed a clear violation of international law.
A recent incident involved the detainment of at least 40 Rohingya individuals in New Delhi, culminating in their forcible ejection onto Myanmar's shores. Among them were children, women, and elderly, whose whereabouts remain uncertain. Five Rohingya refugees confirmed to the Associated Press that their family members were among those forcibly deported by the Indian Navy.
Indian authorities, including the navy and foreign ministry, declined to comment on these allegations. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) has appointed a U.N. expert to investigate the alleged "unconscionable, unacceptable acts," urging India to cease any deplorable and life-threatening treatment towards Rohingya refugees.
The incident has spotlighted India's complex relationship with refugees. Despite not having official policies or laws in place to address refugees, hundreds of thousands of Muslim Rohingya have sought shelter in India due to persecution in their home country, Myanmar.
However, Rohingya refugees in India have faced their fair share of hostility. Incidents of violence and mistreatment have been reported, with refugees being beaten by Hindu nationalist groups and detained under the pretext of collecting biometric data.
Under international law, the principle of non-refoulement prohibits states from returning individuals to a territory where they face a real risk of persecution or harm. By forcibly sending Rohingya back to Myanmar, India appears to be in defiance of this principle. Moreover, India has obligations to protect refugees within its territory, which includes the right to life, personal liberty, and freedom—basic rights enshrined in both Indian and international law.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar has expressed strong condemnation of these actions, pressing India to halt deportations and instead uphold its international legal responsibilities. Organizations such as Fortify Rights and the People's Union for Civil Liberties have also joined in the call for accountability, urging India to respect its obligations under international refugee law.
In the face of criticism, it remains to be seen whether India will take a more compassionate approach toward the Rohingya refugees within its borders. The international community will closely watch events unfold as this egregious situation continues to develop.
[1] https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/04/08/india-forcibly-returning-rohingya-myanmar[2] https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/05/india-yemen-migrants-end-hunger-strike-after-two-months-at-sea/[3] https://www.refugeesinternational.org/research/condition-of-rohingya-refugees-in-india[4] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/india-illegally-detaining-refugees-say-rights-groups-2021-05-14/
- The outrage over India's treatment of Rohingya refugees has highlighted the need for a clear government policy and relevant laws to address the issue, especially considering the international law principles involved.
- The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, in conjunction with human rights organizations like Fortify Rights and the People's Union for Civil Liberties, have called for India to uphold its obligations under international refugee law and general-news media outlets have reported on these demands.
- Amidst the global scrutiny, some argue that Indian politics may influence the government's response to the Rohingya crisis, as prevailing policies seem to prioritize Crime and Justice issues over Human Rights, which in turn, may jeopardize the safety and well-being of Rohingya refugees in Toronto and beyond.
- Ultimately, the court of public opinion will likely play a significant role in the resolution of this ongoing issue, as media coverage and political discourse continue to shape India's stance on the Rohingya refugee crisis.
