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India-Myanmar
Need for a Refugee Policy
Introduction
India is not a signatory to the UN Convention on Refugees and thus it has not adopted an asylum policy for those seeking refuge. The recent inflow of Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar has triggered the debate for the need of a concrete refugee policy given the tempestuous neighbourhood of India.
Why we need a Refugee Policy?
The clarity in Asylum Provision: A clearly laid down policy offers greater clarity to those seeking refuge and makes India’s stand clear on the question of asylum. It limits the discretion of the government and thwarts arbitrary disapproval on the basis of ethnic, linguistic or regional identities. Currently, there exists a vacuum of legislation to deal with refugees. The Foreigners Act, 1946 is ill-equipped in this regard
Upholding Civil Rights: As the largest democracy in the world, India has a duty to protect all individuals fleeing their home from persecution, natural disaster and violence
Increased Goodwill: The drafting of a refugee policy concurrent to UN standards would considerably enhance India’s image in the geopolitical arena
Stable Neighbourhood: India’s rejection of refugees may further intensify violence surrounding it in neighbouring nations. The current climate of political instability in several countries including Afghanistan, Myanmar and Pakistan evokes the need for a concrete refugee policy
Prevent Alienation of States: The adoption of a favourable refugee policy would reduce the big brother attitude of India with regard to its relations with neighbours.
Eg: Bangladesh had to bear the burden of Rohingya Refugees
Challenges in adopting a Refugee Policy
Pressure on Resources: India herself is strained by the lack of resources for its growing population. In such a situation, providing those inward with natural resources and social infrastructure can be a tough task
Security Concerns: The influx of refugees raises concerns for India’s security due to the concern of infiltration of terrorists as well as the ethnic conflicts. Such conflicts have a higher likelihood of occurrence in North-East states which shares borders with many nations.
Demographic Change: Refugees can substantially alter the demography of a region. This can upset the balance of the economy given the demand-supply disruptions in production and labour markets
Loss of Strategic Autonomy: Drafting a clear cut policy would entail the parting of India’s strategic autonomy of making situation-based decisions on refugees. India would be forced to concur with the made policy even if national interests are perverse.
Conclusion
India needs to extend a healing touch and helping hand to those fleeing their homes with the quantum of resources at its disposal. It would redeem the glowing ideal of Vasudeiva Kudumbakam that shaped this nation.
Issues of Refugees in India
Refoulement: The UN Convention on Refugees illustrate the principle of non-refoulement that is no contracting state shall expel a refugee to frontiers where her life or freedom is threatened on account of race, religion, nationality or political affiliation. The Indian state has violated the convention on occasion where it has pushed back Rohingya and other refugees
Limited Access to Services: The unclear legal status of refugees has raised concerns of their access to services- education, healthcare and social services
Limited Livelihood Avenues: Many of the incoming refugees find it hard to earn a living due to changes in demography and social stigma associated with them.
Xenophobia: The growing intolerance towards refugees compounded by polarised mobilizations have caused social tensions. This manifests in the worst form in discrimination for access to services, resources, employment and violence
Victimization: Refugees have been targeted by anti-social elements for exploitation, oppression and trafficking activities.
Limited Political Participation: Due to their smaller number, refugees do not possess any political mileage to channelize the government to act for them. This reduces their bargaining power on the state to provide them with rights on par with citizens.
Loss of Culture: Refugees may end up assimilating the culture of the country in which they end up wither voluntarily or by compulsion or imposition. This cultural homogenization entails the loss of values of the unique culture of refugees.
Way Forward
Skill Development: In order to adapt to the demand-supply needs of the labour market, the refugees need to be skilled in compliance with industry demands. This can enable them to better their incomes and improve their standard of living
Awareness Campaigns: Programs which bring together refugees and normal citizens can endeavour to break the ice of Xenophobia towards them. This can kindle the spirit of humanism and compassion inherent in all human beings
Security Measures: Considering the vulnerability of refugees, the law and order machinery needs to take extra care in ensuring they are not trafficked or are not victims of violence
Pressure Groups: Formal associations of refugees and civil society organizations can push the cause of refugees. They can make the state stand up and take notice of the deficiencies that plague the refugees
Conclusion
India’s commitment to the Global Compact on Refugees in the New York Declaration for Refugees underlines its commitment to socio-economic empowerment of refugees. India’s continued commitment for welfare of the world continues to increase.
India Myanmar
Introduction
India and Myanmar’s long history of relationship has elevated with the instilling of a civilian government in Myanmar. China’s peaceful rise in South Asia and India’s aspirations to look east through north east entail Myanmar as key partner in shaping India’s Act East and ASEAN relations.
Conclusion
India must strive to change its outlook of viewing Myanmar through the prism of the Act East Policy and instead must look towards it as a partner in the SAARC neighbourhood ensuring peace and development in the South Asian Region.