Justice For All’s Burma Task Force is horrified by credible reports that Indian authorities forcibly removed Rohingya refugees from an Indian naval vessel and abandoned them at sea near Burma. These actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law, including the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning refugees to situations where they face persecution, violence or death.
“The forced expulsion of Rohingya refugees into the Andaman Sea is an unconscionable act of cruelty,” said Imam Malik Mujahid, President of Justice For All’s Burma Task Force. “India, as a democracy and a signatory to key human rights conventions, has a legal and moral obligation to protect refugees—not cast them into danger. We demand an immediate end to these deportations, complete transparency as to the Rohingya refugees held in Indian detention centers and investigation and full accountability for those responsible.”
Key Demands to the International Community:
1. To the United Nations:
- Fully support U.N. Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews’ investigation into India’s forced expulsions.
- Upon completion of the investigative report, convene an urgent U.N. Security Council meeting to address India’s violations and the escalating crisis in Burma.
- Ensure ASEAN’s Contact Group on Burma, led by Malaysia, takes immediate action based on the forthcoming report’s findings.
2. To the Government of India:
- Immediately halt all deportations of Rohingya refugees to Burma.
- Grant full access to detention centers where Rohingya are being held for U.N. investigators and human rights monitors.
- Provide transparency on the whereabouts and condition of the refugees forcibly removed to sea.
3. To the U.S. State Department:
- Publicly condemn India’s actions and demand accountability.
- Raise the issue with the Indian Ambassador to the United States.
- Leverage diplomatic channels to pressure India to comply with international refugee law.
- Increase humanitarian aid to both the Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and those remaining within Burma and work to establish safe and secure resettlement pathways for Rohingya refugees.
About Burma Task Force and Justice For All: The Burma Task Force is a coalition of 38 organizations led by Justice For All, a faith-based human rights organization accredited at the United Nations, which has been at the forefront of advocating for the Rohingya people since 2012, following the escalation of violence and displacement in Burma/Myanmar.
