Rohingya Refugee Crisis

Rohingya Refugee Crisis

GS-3: Internal Security

(UPSC/State PSC)

Important for Prelims:

Rohingya Refugee Crisis, Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal, UNHCR, Rakhine State Movement, Undocumented Citizens Foreigners Act-1946, Registration of Foreigners Act-1939, Passport (Entry into India) Act-1920, Citizenship Act-1955, Operation Insaniyat.

Important for Mains:

About Rohingya, Rohingya refugee crisis, challenges, India's policy/response on refugees, Way Forward.

29/03/2024

Context:

Recently, dozens of Rohingya refugees have been rescued from the Indian Ocean after a boat capsized off the Indonesian coast. This incident highlights the grave threat to life faced by Rohingya refugees.

Related Key Points:

  • This crisis has existed for years on Rohingya refugees, highlighting the desperate efforts of the Rohingya people to escape persecution and seek refuge in neighboring countries.
  • The incident underlined the dire conditions faced by Rohingya refugees and the urgent need for global intervention to address their humanitarian crisis.
  • The United Nations estimates that one in eight Rohingya attempting the sea route (which covers the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal is one of the deadliest stretches of water in the world) dies or goes missing in the attempt.
  • The number of people dying during sea travel increased by 21% compared to last year. UNHCR has reported a 63% increase in deaths or disappearances compared to 2022.

About Rohingya:

Historical background

  • The Rohingya are a Muslim minority ethnic group that has lived in Myanmar, primarily in Rakhine state, for centuries.
  • This community has its roots in the Arakan Kingdom of Myanmar, which was earlier known as Burma.
  • The Rohingya are culturally and religiously distinct from Myanmar's majority Buddhist population.
  • Historical dispute: The Myanmar government considers the Rohingya to be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, while the Rohingya claim that they are the original inhabitants of the region.

Rohingya Crisis

  • The roots of the Rohingya crisis are very deep. For decades, the Myanmar government has deprived the Rohingya of their basic rights and freedoms.
  • Tension has increased over time between the Rohingya and the Myanmar government, resulting in bloodshed and displacement.
  • The Rohingya claim to have lived in Myanmar's Rakhine state for generations, but successive governments in the country have disputed their ties, labeling them illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.
  • Myanmar has refused to grant them citizenship since 1982, making them the world's largest stateless population.
  • Despite living in the region for centuries, they have experienced systematic discrimination and persecution from both the Myanmar government and the majority Buddhist population.
  • Military crackdown: The Rohingya have faced numerous military crackdowns throughout history, most notably in 2012, 2015, and most seriously in 2016–2018.
  • 2017 exodus: Their largest exodus began in 2017, with more than 7.5 lakh people seeking asylum in Bangladesh to escape the brutality of security forces.
  • Accused Myanmar's military of ethnic cleansing and possible genocide against the Rohingya. This includes reports of killings, torture, rape and burning of villages.

International Reaction:

  • The international community has condemned the violence against the Rohingya and called for accountability for those responsible.
  • The United Nations has launched an investigation into crimes against humanity in Myanmar. However, the Myanmar government has resisted international pressure and continues to deny any wrongdoing.

Challenges faced by Rohingya refugees:

In Myanmar:

  • Severe restrictions: Restricted movement limits their ability to earn livelihoods and access basic necessities. Many are confined to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps with limited access to health care and education.
  • Violence and insecurity: The Rohingya in Myanmar face human rights abuses and live in fear for their safety and well-being.

During displacement:

  • Dangerous journeys: Rohingya refugees undertake extremely hazardous sea crossings in overloaded vessels, which are often unsafe for navigation. Human traffickers often take advantage of their desperate situation to control these journeys, resulting in exploitation, abuse and even death at sea.
  • Overcrowding and poor sanitation: Camps, especially in Bangladesh where most refugees live, are overcrowded and lack basic necessities like clean water, food and health care. Poor sanitation creates breeding grounds for the spread of diseases, further threatening their health.
  • Limited access to assistance: Despite international efforts, access to humanitarian assistance may be limited due to logistical challenges or political obstacles. This could make the harsh living conditions in the camps even worse.

In refugee camps:

  • Lack of education and livelihood opportunities: Educational opportunities for children are scarce, hindering their future prospects. Limited job opportunities within the camps make it difficult for refugees to support themselves, increasing their dependence on aid.
  • Psychological trauma: The experience of persecution, violence and displacement takes a toll on the mental health of Rohingya refugees, especially children.
  • Natural disasters: Refugee camps are often located in areas vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones and floods. These events can devastate already fragile living conditions, displace families and create further hardship.

India's policy/reaction to refugees:

  • India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol.
  • All foreign movements into India are governed by the provisions of the Undocumented Nationals Foreigners Act-1946, the Registration of Foreigners Act-1939, the Passport (Entry into India) Act-1920 and the Citizenship Act-1955.
  • According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, foreign nationals who enter the country without valid travel documents are considered illegal immigrants.
  • Operation Insaniyat: In 2017, India launched "Operation Insaniyat" to provide relief assistance to refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Way forward:

  • The Myanmar government should end the persecution of the Rohingya and provide them with full citizenship rights. This includes ending discriminatory laws and policies and recognizing the Rohingya as a legitimate ethnic group.
  • It is important to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable. International pressure and legal avenues such as the International Criminal Court can play a role in achieving justice.
  • Establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission could help promote healing and prevent future violence. This process will involve acknowledging past mistakes and charting a path towards peaceful coexistence.
  • Humanitarian organizations need continued support to improve living conditions in refugee camps. This includes providing adequate food, clean water, sanitation facilities and health services.
  • Investing in the education of refugee children is vital for their future. Additionally, creating livelihood opportunities within the camps can empower refugees and reduce aid dependency.
  • The ultimate goal for the Rohingya is the option to return to Myanmar safely and with dignity. However, this requires creating safe conditions in their native villages. For those who choose not to return, resettlement opportunities in third countries should be explored.
  • The international community needs to maintain strong diplomatic pressure on the Myanmar government. This includes targeted sanctions and holding them accountable for their actions.
  • Countries in Southeast Asia hosting Rohingya refugees need international support to manage their influx and ensure their protection.
  • Sustainable solutions require long-term financing commitments from international donors to support humanitarian assistance, development projects and rehabilitation initiatives.
  • Advocating for the Rohingya and raising public awareness of the crisis can pressure governments and international organizations to take action.
  • Supporting local and grassroots organizations working with Rohingya communities can ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.

Source: The Hindu

--------------------------------------

Mains Question:

What is the Rohingya refugee crisis? Discuss the way forward for its solution.