Burmese refugees in India

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Description: Has material on the Burmese refugees in India as well as Indian refugee legislation and policy. Search for Burma.
Source/publisher: South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre
Date of entry/update: 2003-07-02
Grouping: Websites/Multiple Documents
Language: English
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Description: "The recent debate in the media on the status of Rohingyas have brought their intractable problem to the forefront. A look at the facts is relevant to the issue to understand its legal and security dimensions as also deep-seated hatred between the Burmese and Rohingyas. The Rohingyas claim that they constitute an ethnic Muslim minority (predominantly Sunnis), who lived in Rakhine (earlier Arakan), speaking a distinct language since the 8th AD. There is evidence available that between 9th and 14th Century, they came into contact with Arab traders and got converted to Islam and the Mrauk U kingdom from 1429 to 1785, encouraged the settlement of Muslims in the Arakan area. According to Dr Francis-Buchanan a British geographer and physician, in 1785 Bamar- the ethnic Burmese group- occupied Rakhine and pushed out about 35,000 Rohingyas, who migrated to Bengal in British India to escape atrocities, while some others continued to stay there. On the other hand, the Myanmar government does not recognise Rohingyas as the citizens of Myanmar and hold the view that they are Bengali Muslims, who migrated either after 1823 or after 1948 or during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. The Myanmar government views that Rohingyas actually belong to Chittagong. The rift between the Burmese and the Rohingyas worsened after Burma was annexed by the British in 1823. The British encouraged Bengalis mainly Muslims to settle in Burma to work in the paddy field and tea plantations. The Muslims were also given preference in top administrative positions as they were unhappy with the anti-colonial sentiments of Buddhists. While this improved the position of Rohingyas, the divide between Rohingyas and Burmese deepened taking a communal shape. During the World War II, the Burmese Buddhist welcomed Japanese, while Rohingyas supported the British. When in 1948, Burma gained Independence, Myanmar refused to recognise Rohingyas as the rightful citizens. Rohingyas supported the movement to join Pakistan that was not liked by Burmese. During the 1970-71 crackdown in Bangladesh, a number of Bangladeshis took shelter in Rakhine and Myanmar government forcibly expelled 2,00,000 Muslims that included Rohingyas. In 1982, when Myanmar government enacted the Citizenship Law, it identified 135 ethnic groups in the country that does not include Rohingyas. These 135 ethnic groups according to the Myanmar government had settled in the country prior to 1823. The Chairman of the ruling party and predominant leader Ne Win stated at the time of enactment of law that it was a means of distinguishing ‘pure blooded nationals’ from those who entered Myanmar during the colonial period, their descendants, and ‘mixed bloods’ (that is, the children of marriages between the two groups). The idea in the speech was that ‘pure blooded nationals’ should be ‘citizens’, while the others could become ‘associate citizens’ (who acquired citizenship through 1948 citizenship Law) or ‘naturalized citizens’ (who could provide “conclusive evidence” that he or his parents entered and resided in Burma prior to independence in 1948). There is no transition from associate and naturalised citizenship to full citizenship. Rohingya children born in Myanmar are denied citizenship. In 2012, riots broke out in Rakhine between Rohingyas and Buddhists in which 78 persons were killed and 1,40,000 persons were displaced according to government sources, though the actual number was much more. The Rohingyas formed an insurgent group known as Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), earlier known as Harakah al-Yaqin, under Attaullah abu Ammar Januni in 2013. He was Karachi born and grew up in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Both Tatmadaw (Myanmar Army) and International Crisis Group accuse this group of receiving foreign funds and support. Reports indicate that in 2013, ISI had established contacts with Rohingyas to support the Indian insurgent groups based in Myanmar. Tatmadaw had also blamed China for supplying arms to both ARSA and Arakan Army, which is demanding self-determination in the state, though they term Rohingyas as Bengali Muslims. Since its formation, ARSA intensified attacks on the Myanmar security forces. In 2016-2017, ARSA killed officers and soldiers at the border, murdered and kidnapped civilians and launched attacks on more than 30 police stations in Myanmar. Tatmadaw also pointed out that Afghans and Pak fighters had trained ARSA recruits. Crucially, Tatmadaw blamed ARSA for killing 99 Bengali Hindus in the Kha Maung Seik massacre in 2017. The Myanmar government retaliated by burning Rohingya villages and killing Rohingyas. This followed a massive migration of Rohingyas to Bangladesh, Thailand and Malaysia. While a few entered India directly, others came via Bangladesh. Currently there are about one million Rohingyas in Myanmar but only 40,000 have been recognised as citizens. Rest of the Rohingyas are called ‘resident foreigners’ and were not included in the 2014 census. A little less than one million Rohingyas are in Bangladesh’s Cox Bazar camps. They are in miserable condition. Several Rohingyas have not registered and are living separately. Rohingya refugees have also sought refuge in Thailand (92,000) and India (21,000), with smaller numbers settling in Indonesia, Nepal and other countries across the region. In India there are more than 40,000 with maximum concentration in J&K (8,500). The Rohingya issue remains problematic. The Myanmar constitution does not consider them as legal citizens. With the formation of ARSA, Rohingyas are posing serious security challenges to Myanmar. Any hope of changing the Myanmar constitution in favour of Rohingyas appears to be a pipe-dream. Tatmadaw’s hold in Arakan and Kachin areas is not very strong and therefore the insurgents continue to operate there. Over the period, the religious divide between Burmese Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims has widened and reconciliation between them appears difficult. Bangladesh has consistently demanded that Rohingyas should be repatriated. However, voluntary repatriation is not possible as Rohingyas do not find the situation conducive for their return to Myanmar. As there is overcrowding in the Cox bazar camps, Bangladesh is relocating Rohingyas to Bhasan Char (Char Piya) island. At present there are 19,000 Rohingyas and Bangladesh is planning to send another 80,000 Rohingyas to Bhasan Char. While refugees are not permitted to work in Bangladesh, 30% of children ages 15-17 are working informally putting them at risk of exploitation. Bangladesh has also indicated that criminal activities are increasing involving Rohingyas. The UNHCR is trying to provide life-saving assistance but the funds are insufficient: in 2018 it was estimated that only 32% of the need is available. Its ability to create conditions conducive for the return of Rohingyas is negligible at present. For India, it is important that they are repatriated at the earliest. India does not have a refugee policy though refugees from neighbouring countries have come and are staying. The Foreigner’s Act of 1946 does not address the refugee policy. India is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. India views that these only include political and civil rights and not economic rights and if the latter is included it would create a heavy burden on the country. The linkages of Rohingyas with external elements is a serious security concern particularly with their concentration in a sensitive state like J&K. They may easily be pushed to get involved in anti-national activities. Besides they have the potential to exacerbate the communal situation. While the best way is to repatriate Rohingyas, India does not wish to push them forcibly though they are termed as illegal migrants. Steps need to be taken in consultation with Tatmadaw. India needs the support of Naypyidaw not only for controlling North-East insurgents but also to push forward its policy of Act East for economic development. Immediately India should ensure that Rohingyas are not able to come illegally from Bangladesh. They should also be relocated to a place where their activities can be closely watched. Simultaneously, Myanmar should be nudged to take back Rohingyas, though it may take quite some time..."
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Source/publisher: "Times of India"
2022-08-21
Date of entry/update: 2022-08-22
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Sub-title: Rights groups see the trend as a fallout of heightened insecurity in the community following cases of detention and forceful deportation of a Rohingya woman to Myanmar
Description: "A series of arrests of Rohingyas attempting trying to cross over to Bangladesh from India in the past weeks indicates an emerging trend of reverse migration triggered by forceful deportation of some members of the refugee community to Myanmar. A BSF team on Monday (May 2) arrested 24 Rohingyas, including 10 children, from the state’s Unakoti district. Many among those arrested were possessing refugee cards issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). After preliminary investigation, police said, the group came from Jammu by train to Tripura via Kolkata in West Bengal and Guwahati in Assam. They planned to cross over to Bangladesh through the international border at Kailashahar, police suspect. Earlier, on April 28, six Rohingiyas were arrested by Tripura police at Dharmanagar Railway Station soon after they arrived from New Delhi by Tripura Sundari Express. They too were reportedly planning to sneak into Bangladesh. One woman in the group was carrying UNHCR’s refugee card. Prior to the two back-to-back arrests in Tripura, the Government Railway Police (GRP) arrested 13 members of the community, including six children and two women, at New Jalpaiguri railway station in West Bengal. They reached the NJP railway station in two groups from Jammu and New Delhi, the railway police said, and were waiting to board an Assam-bound train. During preliminary interrogation, the group told the police that they had planned to go to the Rohingya camp in Bangladesh by sneaking out of India through the international border in Tripura. They were arrested under the Foreigners’ Act for travelling without proper travel documents. An estimated 40,000 Rohingyas live in India. Of them, at least 20,000 are registered with the UNHCR as refugees. Heightened insecurity Rights groups see the trend as a fallout of heightened insecurity among the community following renewed cases of detention and a case of forceful deportation of a Rohingya woman to Myanmar by the Government of India. In March this year, a 37-year-old Rohingya woman, Hasina Begum, was deported from Jammu to Myanmar, a country she fled to escape persecution in 2012. “She was deported despite holding a UNHCR’s refugee card and objecting to her push back through the international border in Moreh in Manipur by the Manipur Human Rights Commission,” said Sabber Kyaw Min, director of the New Delhi-based Rohingya Human Rights Initiative. The commission had said her deportation would be a violation of the constitutional right to life. International law prohibits the forced return of refugees to places where their lives or freedom would be threatened. India, however, is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention of 1951 or its 1967 Protocol. The country also does not have a clear refugee policy. Perception of Rohingyas Ever since the BJP came to power in 2014, India has viewed the Rohingya issue as a “security threat” rather than a humanitarian crisis. Last year, the Union government had announced plans to deport Rohingya refugees currently lodged in detention centres. The government made clear its plan after the Supreme Court had refused to stay their deportation. Hasina was among the 170 refugees detained in Jammu on March 6, 2021 and lodged in Hiranagar Jail, considered as “holding centres” for Rohingyas to undergo verification process for deportation. Her three children aged 14, 13 and 9 years are now stranded in Jammu without their mother. Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch, termed the government’s action as “cruel disregard for human life and international law.” The HRW said the deportation highlighted the life-threatening risk Rohingya refugees are facing in India. Min said they also got some unconfirmed reports of another Rohingya man, Jafar Alam, being deported to Myanmar from Jammu. Since October 2018, India has deported 12 Rohingyas to Myanmar, as per rights groups. The government, however, maintained that they left voluntarily. The day Hasina was deported, the authorities in Jammu detained 25 Rohingya refugees and sent them to Hiranagar holding centre for pre-deportation verification. Also read: US to declare Rohingya repression in Myanmar a genocide Amnesty India said the detention was an “abject dereliction of India’s human rights obligations and an egregious violation of international law.” There are 235 Rohingya refugees, including around 20 minors, reportedly lodged at the Harinagar holding centre to undergo nationality verification needed for their deportation. These developments contributed to the sense of insecurity, Min said. Also read: Rohingya children face a dark future without healthcare & education “As per our estimate, around 600 Rohingya refugees have gone to Bangladesh since March this year because of the heightened insecurity,” he added. Fake allegations Their cause has been further hampered by the fake allegations of their involvement in the April riot in New Delhi’s Jahangirpuri. “We had nothing to do with the riots. We are peace loving and law-abiding people. We are committed to abide by the laws of our host countries. Yet, we are targeted,” Min added. Faced with the hostile situation, the community now feels Bangladesh could be a better refuge. Bangladesh has sheltered the highest number of Rohingya Muslim refugees, the most persecuted minority in the world. Nearly 1 million of them live in camps in the eastern nation’s Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char Island..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: The Federal
2022-05-06
Date of entry/update: 2022-05-06
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Topic: Peace and Security
Sub-title: The United Nations independent human rights expert on Myanmar on Friday called on countries that have not yet done so, to impose arms embargo on the country urgently, to stop the “massacre” of citizens across the country.
Topic: Peace and Security
Description: "Tom Andrews, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the southeast Asian nation, underscored in a statement, the need to stop the flow of weapons and so called dual-use weapons technology into the hands of forces under the command of the military junta, describing it as “literally a matter of life and death.” “There is no time to lose … I urge governments who support cutting the flow of weapons to a brutal military junta to consider immediately establishing their own arms embargo against Myanmar while simultaneously encouraging UN Security Council action.” ‘Dual-use’ technology Mr. Andrews also said that bilateral arms embargoes should encompass both weapons and dual-use technology, including surveillance equipment. “Together, they will represent an important step forward to literally taking guns out of the hands of those killing innocent men, women and children.” The Special Rapporteur also applauded a call by over 200 civil society organizations to bring the arms embargo issue to the attention of the 15-member Security Council. He is currently updating a list of States that have established arms embargoes against Myanmar, Mr. Andrews added, noting that he intended to publish an updated list next month. The independent expert’s report to the Human Rights Council in March identified that nations that had already established arms embargoes. Month four Into its fourth month, the political turmoil – marked by near daily pro-democracy protests and a brutal crackdown by security forces – has reportedly claimed at least 750 lives and wounded countless more. There are also serious concerns over the continuing impact of the crisis, with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) warning of an economic collapse, and the UN human rights chief cautioning that Myanmar could spiral into a “full-blown conflict” similar to the implosion of Syria over the past decade, if the bloodshed does not stop.....Preparing supplies for refugees, in Thailand: Meanwhile, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has said that it is pre-positioning key relief items and personal protective equipment (PPE) in Thailand, which could potentially be provided to those fleeing violence in Myanmar. According to a bulletin issued earlier this week, about 2,300 people crossed from Myanmar into Thailand on 27 April due to increased fighting and they are currently hosted in safe zones, managed by the Thai Army. “UNHCR has advocated for access to the population and offered support to the Thai Government’s efforts to respond to further displacement from Myanmar and address refugees’ protection needs”, it said. As of 31 December 2020, there are about 92,000 Myanmar refugees in Thailand, who fled previous waves of displacement, in nine temporary shelters, according to UNHCR.....Refugee arrivals in India: Similarly, the agency estimates that between 4,000 to 6,000 refugees from Myanmar have entered into the Indian states of Mizoram and Manipur since March, where local charities and individuals have provided life-saving assistance those arriving. “Some 190 have moved onward to New Delhi, where UNHCR is assessing their needs and has begun registering and providing them with basic assistance”, the agency added, noting that it has offered its support to the Indian Government in protection, and humanitarian coordination and response to new arrivals from Myanmar..."
Source/publisher: UN News
2021-05-07
Date of entry/update: 2021-05-09
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "There are around 14,000 registered Rohingya refugees in India. The Indian government has given Long Term Visas to 500 Rohingyas. But, India has made no official comment about the handling of the Rohingya crisis..."
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Source/publisher: Mint
2017-06-20
Date of entry/update: 2019-08-08
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: " Rights groups should stop lecturing and demonizing India over its plan to deport some 40,000 stateless Rohingya and recognize that the country has treated millions of refugees from across the world humanely, a senior official said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi?s right-wing government says the Rohingya Muslims who have fled to India because of persecution in Buddhist-majority Myanmar are illegal immigrants and should deported as they pose a potential security threat..."
Source/publisher: Reuters via "The Irrawaddy"
2017-08-30
Date of entry/update: 2017-08-31
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Description: "When Kohinoor, a stateless Rohingya Muslim, fled her home in Burma after a wave of attacks by majority Buddhists, she hoped for a chance to rebuild her life in a new country. She knew she would have to trek for days with little food and water and risk her life being smuggled across borders by traffickers. But she and her family did not imagine their present life of destitution and discrimination in India, the country they had chosen as their refuge. ?We were chased out of Burma. We were chased out of Bangladesh. Now we are in India, the people here tell us that India is not our country. So where will we go?” asked Kohinoor, 20, sitting in a makeshift tent on a patch of wasteland in southern Delhi..."
Creator/author: Nita Balla
Source/publisher: Reuters via "The Irrawaddy"
2014-09-15
Date of entry/update: 2015-08-22
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Description: 9 photos of Chin/Zo refugees in India
Source/publisher: Project Maje via "The Irrawaddy"
2012-04-28
Date of entry/update: 2012-05-11
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Description: "India lacks a coherent legal framework for the protection of refugees, treating them simply as non-citizens who may be a potential threat to society. As a result of this treatment, which is also reflected in societal attitudes, many of India?s refugees suffer severe hardship. The South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre ( SAHRDC) recently interviewed seven representative Burmese refugees about their experiences as refugees in Delhi. Each of the seven refugees detailed a grim life of poverty and insecurity, often accompanied by physical danger. Their stories underscore the urgent need for India to adopt national legislation that grants refugees rights and protects them from exploitation and abuse inherent in the vulnerable situation in which refugees find themselves...Conclusion: Coherent national legislation granting refugees rights and protections in India could go a long way toward alleviating the climate of fear and insecurity in which Burmese refugees live in India. It could start to shift governmental and societal attitudes towards refugees. Instead of the current legal framework that sees foreign threats everywhere; new legislation could send the right message that refugees are not threats but rather persons unfairly persecuted by their country of origin who deserve India?s protection..."
Source/publisher: The South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre ( SAHRDC)
2011-09-29
Date of entry/update: 2011-09-30
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 57.56 KB
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Description: Though the Chin refugees in Delhi are not mentioned, their legal situation is the same as that of the Afghan refugees who are the subject of this study.
Creator/author: Naoko Obi, Jeff Crisp
Source/publisher: UNHCR Evaluation and Policy Analysis Unit
2000-11-00
Date of entry/update: 2010-12-20
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Description: A rigid social class system adds to the troubles of Burmese who seek a better life in India... "Life is never easy for Burmese migrants and refugees, but those in India are burdened with a handicap absent from the difficulties faced by those who place their hopes in Burma?s other neighboring countries. That handicap is India?s controversial caste system. The traditional system, which divides India into rigidly defined social classes, has no recognized place for Burmese immigrants, most of whom are relegated to the lowest rank, lower even than India?s ?untouchables.? ..."
Creator/author: Zarni Mann
Source/publisher: "The Irrawaddy" Vol. 18, No. 6
2010-06-00
Date of entry/update: 2010-08-29
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Description: "Like Burma?s other neighbors, India hosts a large and growing refugee population, the majority of whom are Chin ethnic minorities. India generally tolerates the presence of Burmese refugees, but does not afford them any legal protection, leaving them vulnerable to harassment, discrimination, and deportation. While India?s lack of a legal regime for refugees is a major impediment to addressing the needs of Burmese refugees, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and international donors need to explore creative ways to work within the existing framework to provide assistance and increase protection for this population."
Source/publisher: Refugees International
2009-12-09
Date of entry/update: 2009-12-10
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Description: Executive Summary: The steep mountain chains and deep valley gorges in Burma?s northwestern Chin State is the homeland of some 1.5 million ethnic Chin. Due to ongoing human rights abuses, severe restrictions on basic freedoms, and widespread poverty within Chin State, only 500,000 ethnic Chin remain in Chin State. More than two-thirds of the Chin population have fled to other parts of Burma and neighboring countries in a quest for protection and survival. Some 100,000 Chin are currently living in uncertain conditions in India?s northeastern state of Mizoram, which shares a border with Burma?s Chin State. Another 4,200 Chin have made their way to Delhi with the hope of obtaining protection from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Another 30,000 Chin have fled to Malaysia also with the hope of finding some form of protection and security. This report examines the lack of protection and adequate living conditions of Chin refugees and asylum-seekers in Delhi. As India is not a party to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees or its 1967 Protocol, few protections are available to Chins living in Delhi. Although UNHCR is currently registering and recognizing refugees in Delhi, the Chin face long wait times due to processing delays. Resettlement is unduly slow and opportunities are limited. Although the Indian government allows UNHCR-recognized Chin refugees to obtain residential permits to stay in Delhi, the process to obtain such permits is complicated by redundant documentation requirements, corruption, and unnecessary delays. While protection and permanent solutions are long in coming for the Chin community in Delhi, their wait is made more urgent by untenable living conditions, a lack of adequate and acceptable livelihoods, poor health, an inability for their children to receive an education, and the impossibility of integrating with the local community. Although UNHCR supports several programs to provide for and improve the welfare of Chin refugees, many of these programs are inadequate and ineffective to meet the needs of the community. Access to such programs are limited to UNHCR-recognized Chin refugees, excluding those not yet registered with UNHCR and those with cases pending before UNHCR. Considering the human rights situation in Burma and ongoing violations against basic human rights and freedoms in Chin State, the Chin people of Burma will continue to require protection and accommodation in neighboring countries in the foreseeable future. For this reason, the Chin Human Rights Organization urges the Indian government and the UNHCR to: • Ensure Chin refugees and asylum-seekers have unhindered access to effective and expedient protection mechanisms. • Minimize processing delays and corruption that hinder members of the Chin community from obtaining protection and access to crucial benefits and services. • Ensure Chin refugees and asylum-seekers have access to: acceptable and appropriate accommodations; stable and adequate sources of income and job opportunities; and quality and affordable healthcare and education. • Promote, expand, and improve current humanitarian programs that benefit and serve members of the Chin community.
Source/publisher: Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO)
2009-04-00
Date of entry/update: 2009-04-07
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 2.98 MB
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Description: Most Chin refugees have never set foot in a refugee camp; they live as urban and undocumented refugees in India and Malaysia.
Creator/author: Amy Alexander
Source/publisher: "Forced Migration Review" No. 30
2008-04-22
Date of entry/update: 2008-11-30
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English, Burmese
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Description: Tens of thousands of Burmese Chin lead a shadowy existence in India?s remote Mizoram State..."...Tens of thousands of Chin live in Mizoram illegally, slipping easily through a long, porous border. They cross over to earn money to send back home, or to escape poverty or persecution by the Burmese military. But without legal status and proper permits, the Chin usually get the lowest-paid jobs, in road and construction work, markets, restaurants or as domestics. As porters they carry produce to the market in huge cone-shaped baskets fixed by straps to their foreheads. Others sell goods spread out o?n the ground. The Chin lacking proper documentation generally face deportation if they are arrested by police and cannot afford the usual bribe of 200 to 500 rupees (US $4.50 to $11). Weavers among the Chin tend to fare better. They are skilled laborers in an important sector of the local economy, and this usually spares them harassment..."
Creator/author: Tamara Terziana
Source/publisher: "The Irrawaddy" Vol. 15, No. 4
2007-04-00
Date of entry/update: 2008-05-04
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Description: "The situation for refugees from Burma in Delhi, the capital city of India, has reached a survival crisis point. About 1,500 post-1988 refugees from Burma live in Delhi. An estimated 1,300 or more are of the Chin ethnic group from western Burma, with others from western Burma's Arakan State (estimated at 30 to 50), northern Burma's Kachin State (estimated at about 100), and elsewhere in Burma (estimated at 30 to 50.) They have been gradually losing their Subsistence Allowance stipends from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to the point that such money is about to essentially vanish by the end of 2004. The small UNHCR payments (approximately US$30 to $11 a month for "head of household" adults, with an additional amount for children) have been shared among the refugees for the most basic living expenses. Alternatives for income earning for the refugees in Delhi are nearly nonexistent, as refugees would have to compete with native-born Indians, and even foreigners who seem more "Indian," for scarce employment. In October 2004, Project Maje met with members of Delhi's refugee community in the Vikaspuri neighborhood. The contacts took place in a session with representatives of refugee organizations, visits to two refugee housing units, and at a group assembly of refugees. This brief report is a summary of impressions from those contacts..."
Source/publisher: Project Maje
2004-11-00
Date of entry/update: 2004-11-15
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Description: "With temperatures approaching the high 40s, hundreds of Burmese refugees in New Delhi held a demonstration on 9 June, protesting the refusal of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to grant them refugee certificates and Subsistence Allowance (SA). The demonstration, the most recent in a series of protests organized by members of the Burmese refugee community, highlights a number of severe problems faced by refugees in New Delhi...The current situation for many Burmese refugees in Delhi is perilous. The recent violence and detention of pro democracy leader Aung Sang Suu Kyi does not augur well for their already vulnerable condition. Without a secure legal status, and with limited capacity for economic self-sufficiency, the withdrawal of financial support by UNHCR will place many in a situation of considerable risk. As SAHRDC?s research has shown, UNHCR in India has been failing to fulfil its mandate. It does not adequately protect the refugees within its jurisdiction and has failed to seek out and promote realistic durable solutions. These failings are compounded by the manner in which the UNHCR office and its employees have treated the refugee community. As a result, refugees have a fundamental lack of trust in the organisation..."
Source/publisher: Asia-Pacific Human Rights Network/South Asia Human Rights Documentatoin Centre
2003-06-12
Date of entry/update: 2003-07-02
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Description: "A few hundred refugees belonging to the ethnic Nagas have sought shelter in Manipur and Mizoram in 1991 after the Burmese military started a crack down on the Naga and other insurgents on the side of Burma. They were not recognized as refugees by the Government of India but allowed to stay in India. A large number of ethnic Chin and other tribal refugees also sought refuge in Indian State of Mizoram to escape from repression by the Burmese military authorities. However, State Government of Mizoram has allegedly forcibly repatriated many Chin refugees living in the State in 1994. While it was not reported in the press, a senior official of the Mizoram State Government confirmed on animosity to a SAHRDC representative that a large number of the Chin refugees were forcibly repatriated by the State Government in 1994..." (only these paras in the report deal with refugees from Burma)
Source/publisher: South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre
1994-00-00
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Description: (A Brown Bag Seminar organized by the Council for Southeast Asia Studies, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA). "Approximately, Burma has a population of 48 million people. Of those 48 million, 68% are Burman, and the rest, 32 %, belong to the ethnic groups such as Arakanese, Chin, Kachin, Karen, Karenni, Mon, Shan, etc. These are only estimated statistics as there is no proper documented information available inside Burma. The ethnic people have their own religions, culture, and languages. There are different religions such as Buddhism, Muslim, Christianity, and Hinduism. Burmans belong to the majority religion, Buddhism while most ethnic Chins and Kachins are Christians. The ethnic political issue is important to Burma's politics. Because in order to put an end to civil war, which has spanned over half a century in Burma, the ethnic political crisis must first be resolved in accordance with the full consent of the ethnic minority people. Therefore, Burma's political history, especially how the minority and the majority groups came to live together under the Union government, needs to be addressed..." (A Brown Bag Seminar organized by the Council for Southeast Asia Studies, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA)
Creator/author: Zo T. Hmung
2000-10-25
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 65.65 KB
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Description: "Burmese refugees in New Delhi have traveled a hard road in their pursuit of legal recognition. The agency responsible for assisting these asylum-seekers has not made their lives any easier... "The road for a refugee is only as long as you make it," reads a poster hanging in the lobby of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in New Delhi. Outside, over 200 asylum seekers from Burma are protesting in front of the compound, pleading for interviews, for recognition as a refugee, and for a simple piece of paper confirming their status as a "person of concern", which would allow them to stay legally in India. Nearly half of the demonstrators say that their asylum applications have already been rejected by the UNHCR for unknown reasons. Others continue to wait for the organization to hear their cases despite arriving in New Delhi months ago. Asylum seekers, human rights lawyers and Indian activists say that besides the confusing application process, the mission in New Delhi also lacks accountability, offers no support system for refugees whose asylum status is pendingï ? ?for over one year in some casesï ? ?and is trying to implement unrealistic programs of self-reliance for the refugees. To make the recognition process run more smoothly, demonstrators say refugees deserve greater attention and compassion from UNHCR officials. Moreover, they say the influence of the Indian government now pervades all facets of the refugeeï ? ?s existence..."
Creator/author: Tony Broadmoor
Source/publisher: "The Irrawaddy" Vol. 10, No. 9
2002-11-00
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Description: Deals with Indian refugee legislation and policy. "A large number of ethnic Chin and other tribal refugees have escaped repression from the Burmese military and entered the Indian state of Mizoram. The presence of Chin refugees from the Chin State of Burma, Nagas from Burma, Rakhain refugees from Arakan State in Burma, and ethnic Nepalese of Bhutanese nationality is not acknowledged by the Government of India. The largest among these refugees groups is the Chins, numbering about 40,000. While the Burmese Nagas have sought refuge in the Indian State of Nagaland, the Chins and Rakhains have sought refuge in Indian State of Mizoram.(47) Though they have generally assimilated into Indian society, their living standards are still poor. They can be described as Category III refugees since neither the Indian Government nor UNHCR recognize their presence. Moreover, the Chin do not receive state assistance or international assistance because of their ambiguous status. They have been left unto themselves in a foreign land where they have no means for survival. The Mizoram State Government has forcibly repatriated many Chin refugees since 1994. While it was not reported in the press, a senior official of the Mizoram State Government confirmed to a SAHRDC representative that a large number of Chin refugees indeed had been forcibly returned to Burma by the State Government in 1994.(48)..." (These are the only paras specifically on refugees from Burma).
Source/publisher: South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre
1997-10-00
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Description: Fact Finding Trip to New Delhi by Zo T. Hmung April 17-30, 2002 Executive Summary: "I spent April 17-30, 2002, in New Delhi to assess options for durable solutions for refugees from Burma who reside in the Indian capital. "According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in New Delhi, as of the end of March 2002, there are 952 people from the country of Burma recognized as refugees by the UNHCR. Out of 952 refugees, 90 percent of them belong to Chin ethnic groups. The rest are Burmese, Arakanese, Shan, and Kachin. They include torture survivors, women, children, elderly people, and people persecuted because of their ethnicity, religion, and prodemocracy activism. "During my trip, I met with Wei-Meng Lim-Kabaa, UNHCR Deputy Chief of Mission, Kathy A. Redman, Officer in Charge Immigration, Attache of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), and Mr. Christopher George, YMCA Refugee Program Coordinator. I also met with over 250 refugees in one large meeting, met six times with 10 key leaders from the refugee community, conducted five interviews at refugees' apartments, spent most of my time visiting their housing and neighborhoods, and gathered voluminous information regarding their current hardship and vulnerability and their compelling reasons for fleeing Burma. "These groups are distinguishable from other refugee groups in India. For years, they had been living in suburban areas of New Delhi without future hope for a better life. They are unable to obtain jobs. Because they are Christians, they cannot feel comfortable and are not welcomed in the local Hindu community. They are unable to speak the local language, which is Hindi. Their children are unable to attend school. Psychologically, they are traumatized. They cannot go back to Burma because Burma is still under the rule of a military regime. Most importantly, they can be deported back to Burma at any time even though they are recognized as refugees by the UNHCR." Unfortunately, the UNHCR has referred only a dozen cases to the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) authority in New Delhi. At the same time, the U.S. INS in New Delhi does not take a case unless UNHCR refers a case to them. The INS does not accept walk-in cases. Therefore, they are in need of special protection by the U.S. The U.S. Department of State should designate them as refugees and process their cases. This would be a durable solution for them. The Chin community in the U.S. would be very happy to welcome these refugees..."
Creator/author: Zo T. Hmung
2002-04-30
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Description: " The South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre (SAHRDC) has closely been monitoring the situation of the Burmese refugees in Asia with special focus on India. Hundreds of pro-democracy activists took shelter in border states of North east India. The staunch support of pro-democracy movement by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi made students in Yangoon to seek help from India. However, after five years diplomatic stand-off, Prime Minister Narashima Rao sent Mr J N Dixit to Yangoon in April 1993 to mend fences with the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). The Deputy Foreign Minister of Burma also visited New Delhi early 1994 and exerted pressure upon New Delhi to stop anti-SLORC activities..."
Source/publisher: South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre
1995-00-00
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Description: "Since September 1988, when the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) came to power, approximately one million Burmese nationals have fled to neighboring states. Approximately 55,000 Burmese nationals are currently in India, however, of that number, only about 467 are recognized and protected refugees of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in India. This report focuses on the plight of Burmese refugees in India, in particular, the predicament of Burmese nationals who remain unrecognized and unassisted in the North Eastern frontier, and the situation of the refugee population in Delhi..."
Source/publisher: South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre
1997-00-00
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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