Amnesty International has called on India to immediately stop pushing Rohingya refugees back towards the Bangladesh border. The organization also urged India to provide protection to Rohingya refugees in accordance with international human rights law, rather than forcing them across the border.
On Thursday (June 19), a day before International Refugee Day, Amnesty International stated that Rohingya refugees must be recognized and their due dignity ensured.
The organization reported that last month, Indian authorities forcibly abandoned at least 40 Rohingya refugees in international waters near Myanmar, making them wear life jackets before pushing them off naval ships.
In a separate incident, at least 100 Rohingya refugees were compelled to cross the border and enter Bangladesh.
Akar Patel, Chairman of Amnesty International India's Board, said, "India has long been a refuge for those fleeing persecution. But recent actions, such as abandoning Rohingya refugees at sea and forcibly expelling them without due process, will be remembered by history."
The organization noted that since the military-led operation in Myanmar in 2017, Rohingyas have endured the most severe violence and persecution against their community.
Furthermore, thousands of Rohingya sheltering in Bangladesh are facing acute problems in accessing essential aid like food, adequate shelter, and medical treatment. This situation has been exacerbated by a recent decrease in international assistance.
