Date : 20/06/2023

Relevance : GS Paper 2 : International Relations - Refugees

Main Words : World Refugees Day, Sustainable Develomnent Agenda, Refugee Convention

Context -

• As we commemorate World Refugee Day on June 20, we pay tribute to the extraordinary courage and resilience of the 103 million individuals who have experienced forced displacement due to conflicts worldwide. Behind the staggering statistics lie countless human stories of loss and shattered dreams.

The Challenge of Displacement in South and Southeast Asia

• South and Southeast Asia also face significant challenges in relation to displacement.
• Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, and protracted situations in Afghanistan and Somalia have uprooted many individuals from their homes in the region.

India's Gracious Hospitality

• India, with a population of around 250,000 forcibly displaced persons, has been a gracious host and supporter of refugees and asylum-seekers.
• The country's history of hosting refugees is a testament to our shared humanity.

Refugees Seek Opportunities, Not Handouts

• Refugee youth desire opportunities rather than handouts.Many story illustrates how institutional support and education empowered him to become a valued member of society..
• Many other examples exist where refugee youth have demonstrated resilience and talent when given the right opportunities, such as various, stateless Rohingya women, pursuing a career as an artist-designer.

Dismantling Barriers for Inclusion

• Refugees and asylum seekers face various obstacles, including difficulties in obtaining legal recognition and government-issued documents, which hinder their access to essential services like financial support and healthcare.
• It is our responsibility to remove these barriers and ensure equal opportunities for refugees in employment, education, housing, and healthcare.

Youth Engagement and Sustainable Development

• Creating an inclusive society requires us to engage and include refugee youth, considering their unique needs.
• By involving them in the realization of the Sustainable Development Agenda, we can ensure that no one is left behind.

Global Compact on Refugees

• The Global Compact on Refugees emphasizes the urgent need for collective action in addressing the displacement crisis.
• It acknowledges the responsibility of governments, individuals, private sectors, NGOs, and community-based organizations in supporting the forcibly displaced, particularly in the Global South.

Realizing Potential and Creating Opportunities

• Equitable burden-sharing and fulfilling our responsibilities towards refugees and their host communities will unlock their potential and contribute to a world where hope and opportunities abound.

What is the Current Legislative Framework to Handle Refugees in India?

• Foreigners Act of 1946: The Central government is empowered to detect, detain and deport illegal foreign nationals.
• Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 : Under it authorities can remove an illegal foreigner by force under Article 258(1) of the Constitution of India.
• Citizenship Act, 1955: It provided provisions for renunciation, termination, and deprivation of citizenship.
• Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA) seeks to provide citizenship only to Hindu, Christian, Jain, Parsi, Sikh, and Buddhist immigrants persecuted in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan

Conclusion

On this World Refugee Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to stand together with refugees and displaced persons, acknowledging their strength, unwavering hope, and untapped potential. By dismantling barriers, creating pathways to meaningful opportunities, and restoring their sense of dignity, we can make a lasting impact. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind.

Source : The Hindu