The plight of the Rohingya refugees has emerged as one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time, particularly for those who have found their way to India. These refugees, numbering approximately 22,500, are not just fleeing persecution, but they are also facing unimaginable conditions within India’s borders. Despite being the world’s largest stateless population, their situation remains largely underreported.
According to reports by Daniel P. Sullivan and his colleagues, between May and November 2024, investigations revealed severe human rights violations occurring within India’s detention centers. Many of these Rohingya refugees have been arbitrarily detained, with no criminal charges laid against them, facing conditions described as horrific and unfit for human life. This includes the segregation of men and women, preventing families from uniting and denying parental rights over children. The detention facilities also lack basic sanitation, mental health support, and educational opportunities for children.
The testimonies gathered highlight the inherent weaknesses of India's adherence to international human rights commitments. For example, conditions such as the forced separation of children from their parents are explicitly against India's model detention code, which states, "families should not be separated." Despite these legal frameworks, violations are rampant, leaving many detainees, including infants, experiencing life behind bars without ever seeing the outside world.
Among the detainees are pregnant women, nursing mothers, and older individuals—groups particularly vulnerable to extended periods of incarceration under such conditions. "This includes pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers... and older people," noted the report, emphasizing the urgent need for action. The psychological and physical toll of arbitrary detention is severe, with many suffering from health complications exacerbated by the lack of proper medical care and the traumatic experiences they endured before arriving in India.
Recognizing the gravity of these issues, the Government of India is being urged to take decisive action. Recommendations have emerged from multiple human rights organizations advocating for the immediate release of detained Rohingya refugees, especially those who are most vulnerable. The suggestions include halting the arbitrary detention of Rohingya under the Foreigners Act of 1946 and establishing fast-track courts to address the backlog of cases relating to these violations.
Human rights advocates argue this necessary shift should be accompanied by legislation clarifying the status of Rohingya and other refugees, aligning India's policies with international standards such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. A human rights approach calls for recognizing UNHCR-provided refugee cards as valid for accessing basic services, preventing arbitrary detention, and endorsing alternatives such as community-based living arrangements.
The role of international bodies and the engagement of civil society is also pivotal. The UNHCR has been encouraged to assist by conducting census operations among detained Rohingya to assess their needs and vulnerabilities accurately. Advocates are pushing for legal aid services and support initiatives to improve living conditions within detention centers, highlighting the need for structural changes to uphold basic human rights.
International cooperation among countries is equally important. The situation calls for countries like the United States to engage the Indian government diplomatically to push for humane treatment of the detained Rohingya. Such engagement could focus on improving conditions within the detention centers and advocating for the reunification of families separated by these harsh policies.
The humanitarian community is rallying behind the idea of finding durable solutions for the Rohingya crisis, centered on protecting their rights and freedoms until they can safely return to Myanmar. During recent seminars held by civil society organizations, experts emphasized the need for regional cooperation to enable the Rohingya to access education and livelihood opportunities, thereby enhancing their chances of sustainable living.
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, executive director of COAST Foundation, moderated discussions highlighting the roots of the Rohingya crisis, noting, "The root of the Rohingya crisis lies in Myanmar, where their citizenship was revoked in 1982." Advocates argue for regional and global action, pushing for recognition of the Rohingya as refugees and ensuring they receive adequate support and resources during their displacement.
Calls for reform extend beyond immediate humanitarian aid. They seek to create permanent systems to protect and empower Rohingya refugees, allowing them to participate fully within host communities. The blessing of difficult dialogues among governments and organizations may pave the way for solutions beneficial not just to the refugees but to the regions affected by their displacement.
It remains evident—the Rohingya refugees deserve dignified treatment and the chance to rebuild their lives away from the specter of persecution. Until systemic changes are made, the responsibility lies not just with the Government of India, but also extends across borders to the international community, local organizations, and governments worldwide. A collective effort is necessary to combat the injustices endured by this vulnerable population and to advocate for their rights until solutions can be realized.
