UN launches an enquiry into Rohingya refugees being cast into the sea by Indian naval vessels
By Alisha Dutta
NEW DELHI – The United Nations has launched an inquiry after reports surfaced of Rohingya refugees being forced off an Indian naval vessel into the Andaman sea.
The body has announced the appointment of a UN expert to inquire into the “unconscionable, unacceptable acts” and urged the Indian government to refrain from inhumane and life-threatening treatment of Rohingya refugees, including their repatriation into perilous conditions in Myanmar.
“The idea that Rohingya refugees have been cast into the sea from naval vessels is nothing short of outrageous. I am seeking further information and testimony regarding these developments and implore the Indian government to provide a full accounting of what happened,” said a statement by Tom Andrews, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar.
Mr. Andrews added that on March 3, he had sent a communication to the Government of India, raising concerns about the widespread, arbitrary and indefinite detention of refugees and asylum seekers, including Rohingya refugees, from Myanmar, as well as allegations of the refoulement of refugees to Myanmar. It called on the Government of India to end the arbitrary detention of refugees from Myanmar and provide access to places of detention.
“The Government of India must immediately and unequivocally repudiate unconscionable acts against Rohingya refugees, stop all deportations to Myanmar, and ensure that those responsible for these blatant violations of India’s international obligations are held responsible,” Mr. Andrews said.
