The Forgotten Plight of Rohingya Refugees in India
India, the world’s largest democracy, has long been a beacon of refuge for those fleeing persecution in neighboring countries. However, the treatment of Rohingya refugees within its borders paints a troubling picture. These survivors of genocide in Myanmar now face a myriad of challenges in securing their basic rights and accessing essential services, further compounding the trauma of displacement.
Denied Basic Protections and Facing Detention
The Rohingya in India are officially labeled as “illegal immigrants,” denying them the fundamental right to seek asylum. This precarious status leaves them vulnerable to arbitrary detention, separation from family members, and the ever-present threat of deportation back to the very country where they faced unspeakable atrocities.
Estimates indicate hundreds of Rohingya refugees are currently held in detention centers across India, with deplorable conditions that exacerbate health issues and mental anguish. Former detainees report overcrowding, inadequate nutrition, limited access to medical care, and restricted visitation rights – a clear violation of international human rights norms.
“People are living in a lot of fear here. Anything you plan on doing in life, you can’t.”
- Young Rohingya woman in Hyderabad
The arbitrary nature of these detentions, often facilitated through collaboration between local authorities and Rohingya community leaders, further erodes trust and fosters an environment of suspicion and helplessness. Rohingya refugees live in constant fear of being singled out and imprisoned, deterring them from seeking critical services or reporting crimes.
Barriers to Education and Livelihoods
India’s lack of a comprehensive refugee policy has also denied Rohingya children access to formal education. Without government-issued identity cards, known as Aadhaar cards, Rohingya families struggle to enroll their children in schools, depriving them of a pathway to a brighter future.
Even when enrollment is possible, Rohingya students face significant challenges, including language barriers, discrimination from peers and teachers, and the burden of long distances to reach schools. For girls, these obstacles are further compounded by cultural norms and gender-based pressures within their own community, leading many families to prioritize early marriage over education.
The absence of Aadhaar cards also hinders Rohingya adults from securing formal employment, relegating them to the informal sector, where they are vulnerable to exploitation and have limited recourse against abuse. Without the ability to open bank accounts or file taxes, the Rohingya community remains on the fringes of economic participation, trapping them in a cycle of poverty and insecurity.
Inadequate Access to WASH Services
The Rohingya settlements in Hyderabad, often referred to as “camps,” are stark reminders of the inadequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services that these displaced communities face. Lacking proper infrastructure, these informal settlements are plagued by a dearth of clean drinking water, functioning toilets, and proper waste management systems.
“It’s becoming like Burma with inability to move freely within the country.”
- Rohingya woman in Hyderabad
The consequences of this WASH crisis are far-reaching, contributing to the spread of waterborne diseases, skin infections, and other health issues. Women and girls bear an undue burden, as the lack of private and secure sanitation facilities exposes them to safety risks and exacerbates menstrual hygiene challenges.
The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the vulnerabilities of the Rohingya community, as they were unable to access testing, treatment, and vaccination services due to their precarious legal status and lack of documentation.
Glimmers of Hope Amidst the Adversity
Despite the overwhelming challenges faced by Rohingya refugees in India, there are glimmers of hope and resilience within the community. Determined individuals and community-based organizations have worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of the Rohingya, often at great personal risk.
Educational Breakthroughs
The story of Farhana Roshan, a young Rohingya refugee who persevered to become one of the first in her community to complete high school in India, exemplifies the transformative power of education. Through the tireless efforts of Farhana and her family, alongside the support of local NGOs, she was able to navigate the bureaucratic hurdles and sit for the crucial 10th-grade state board examinations.
Farhana’s success has inspired other Rohingya families to prioritize education, and she has even helped enroll 50 girls in schools, challenging the cultural norms that often limit girls’ access to learning. This milestone has ignited new hope within the Rohingya community, demonstrating the potential for educational opportunities to empower displaced youth and pave the way for a brighter future.
Community-Led Initiatives
Across Hyderabad’s Rohingya settlements, community-based organizations and refugee-led initiatives are working to address the unique challenges faced by their fellow Rohingya. These grassroots efforts range from establishing child-friendly spaces that provide skills training and language support to organizing cash grant programs and equipment donations to help Rohingya families start small businesses.
These community-driven initiatives not only provide essential services but also foster a sense of agency and resilience within the Rohingya population. By leveraging their own expertise and understanding of the community’s needs, these organizations are filling critical gaps left by the absence of a comprehensive government policy.
Pro Bono Legal Support
Amidst the growing hostility towards Rohingya refugees in India, a network of pro bono lawyers has emerged as a crucial bulwark against the arbitrary detention and deportation of these vulnerable individuals. Through strategic litigation and advocacy, these legal advocates have secured the release of several Rohingya detainees and challenged the government’s stance on refoulement, or the forcible return of refugees to their country of origin.
Furthermore, these lawyers have worked tirelessly to shed light on the deplorable conditions within detention centers, leading to court-ordered improvements and heightened scrutiny of the government’s treatment of Rohingya refugees.
A Call for Comprehensive Refugee Protection
The plight of Rohingya refugees in India is a stark reminder that the global refugee crisis requires comprehensive, compassionate, and rights-based solutions. As a signatory to the Global Compact on Refugees and a respected international actor, India has both the moral obligation and the opportunity to lead by example in the treatment of displaced populations within its borders.
Towards a Refugee Law and Policy
India’s lack of a domestic refugee law and consistent policy on asylum seekers has left Rohingya and other refugee populations in a precarious legal limbo, vulnerable to arbitrary detention, deportation, and denial of basic services. The introduction and passage of comprehensive refugee legislation, as proposed in the Asylum Bill of 2021, would be a crucial first step in addressing these systemic challenges.
Such a law would provide a clear framework for the recognition of refugee status, the protection of fundamental rights, and the provision of essential services. It would also send a powerful message that India is committed to upholding its international obligations and serving as a model for refugee protection in the region.
Prioritizing WASH and Livelihoods
Concurrent with legislative reform, the Indian government must prioritize addressing the acute WASH and livelihood needs of Rohingya refugees in Hyderabad and other informal settlements. This would entail investing in the development of reliable water infrastructure, constructing adequate sanitation facilities, and ensuring the equitable distribution of essential hygiene supplies.
Equally important is the need to remove barriers to formal employment and entrepreneurship, such as the mandatory Aadhaar card requirement. By granting Rohingya refugees the legal right to work and access financial services, India can empower this community to become self-sufficient and contribute to the local economy, ultimately fostering greater integration and social cohesion.
Strengthening Partnerships and Advocacy
The Indian government should work in close collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), international NGOs, and local civil society organizations to coordinate a comprehensive response to the Rohingya refugee crisis. This would involve ensuring unhindered access for UNHCR to conduct refugee status determinations, facilitate resettlement opportunities, and provide critical protection services.
Advocacy efforts, both domestically and internationally, must also be strengthened to hold the Indian government accountable to its human rights obligations and commitments under the Global Compact on Refugees. Leaders from the United States, European Union, and other influential nations should engage with India at the highest levels to urge substantive reforms in the treatment of Rohingya refugees, including the cessation of arbitrary detentions and deportations.
Towards a More Inclusive and Compassionate India
The Rohingya refugee crisis in India is a complex and multifaceted challenge that demands a comprehensive, rights-based response. By addressing the unique WASH, education, and livelihood needs of this marginalized community, and by upholding the fundamental principles of asylum and non-refoulement, India can reclaim its status as a beacon of refuge and set a powerful example for the rest of the world.
Through collaborative efforts, policy reform, and a steadfast commitment to protecting the most vulnerable, India has the opportunity to transform the lives of Rohingya refugees and, in doing so, reaffirm its democratic values and global leadership. The time is now for India to heed the call of compassion and stand up for the rights of those who have been denied refuge for far too long.
