The plight of Rohingyas is precarious but the pandemic has further aggravated their problems in India. In the wake of the pandemic coupled with absence of medical facilities and medical care and proper vaccination drive, their situation has turned from bad to worse
Rohingyas are devoid of national and international rights. The guidelines of World Health Organisation (WHO) on health of refugees and migrants are not followed in their case. With no money and requisite documents, the Rohingya refugees are fighting their own battle with the pandemic through home remedies.
According to Ravi Nair, Director South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre, “India has ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Article 12; (c) in it clearly states, “The prevention, treatment and control of epidemic, endemic, occupational and other diseases; (d) The creation of conditions which would assure to all medical service and medical attention in the event of sickness” is a state responsibility. The prohibition of discrimination is linked to the right to health. Discrimination is, first of all, a right on its own – the right not to be discriminated against, is enumerated among civil rights. The discrimination against Rohingya refugees is clearly violative of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution as well as International law.”
Nair added that the World Health Organisation (WHO) in its note on Refugee and migrant health is clear.
“It is therefore critical for national health systems and policies to address refugees’ and migrants’ right to health, regardless of the legal and migratory status. Doing so requires active collaboration across the different sectors and close cooperation between governments and the many non-state actors involved in the migration process. By not providing vaccination against Covid to Rohingya refugees in India, the Union government is not only violative of international law but also does not belong to the comity of civilized nations.”
On the plight of Rohingyas and helplessness of Civil Society, John Dayal, noted Social and Human Rights Activist said, “The plight of the Rohingyas was terrible even in normal times. Harassed by non-state actors of the right wing Islamophobic groups, denied refugee status by the United Nations, sought by the local police, denied housing by both private landlords and civil authorities, and third children growing without education and proper Medicare. I have had occasion to document their plight myself. National leaders have called them terrorists.”
“Rohingya issue should be seen as a humanitarian matter and should not be seen from communal angle. Sadly our government has taken steps to stop them by issuing notification on the implementation of CAA with immediate effect. Catholic Church across globe which has migrants policy of its own in Bangladesh are doing what they can to help the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing neighbouring Myanmar,” said A C Michael, Christian Activist for Human Rights and Former Member of Delhi Minorities Commission.
“Despite the willingness and good intentions of the Catholic Churçh in India, the church is unable to do anything about it as it would be violation of law of the land. But as an ordinary citizen of this country I appeal to Church leaders and civil society to unitedly impress upon government of the day to practise our country’s age-old tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava”! and accept all refugees irrespective of one’s faith,” Michael added.