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Source: The Hindu

Context

India's inconsistent approach to refugees is clear in the stark difference in how it helps Tibetan and Sri Lankan refugees, which highlights the urgent need for a rights-based, inclusive framework.

Status of Refugees in India

• Based on the 1951 Refugee Convention, the 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol are the main international laws that define a refugee.
• Reasons to Run Away:  The Convention says that someone is a refugee if they are outside of their home country (or country of nationality if they don't have one) and have a "well-founded fear of being persecuted" because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a certain social group, or political opinion. 
• Involuntary Flight: One important thing to remember is that no one chooses to be a refugee. They have to run away to find safety and protection from things that could kill them or from being persecuted.

Sri Lankan vs Tibetan Refugees in India

Aspect	Sri Lankan Refugees	Tibetan Refugees
Estimated Population	~90,000	~63,170
Time of Arrival	Between 1983 and 2012 (due to civil war in Sri Lanka)	Since 1959 (due to Chinese occupation of Tibet)
Primary Location in India	Mostly in Tamil Nadu, especially in rehabilitation camps	Spread across multiple Indian states with designated Tibetan settlements
Living Conditions	Housed in temporary shelters/camps with limited resources	Encouraged for local integration and community settlement
Policy Framework	No comprehensive national policy; focus remains on repatriation	Governed by the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy (TRP), 2014
Legal Recognition	Limited legal status, resulting in challenges in accessing jobs and government schemes	Formal recognition with access to education, employment, and welfare schemes
Employment Opportunities	Restricted, despite many being professionally qualified	Better access to employment in both public and private sectors
Government Support	Minimal structured support; UNHCR involved in some voluntary repatriation efforts	Consistent welfare measures through the TRP and administrative coordination
Policy Outlook	Treated as temporary residents with repatriation as a long-term goal	Treated as long-term residents, with pathways for economic and social integration
Key Issues	Detentions, lack of dignity in repatriation, no integration roadmap	Relatively stable status, though aspirations for full citizenship remain
Symbolic Treatment	Seen as burden or transitional population	Viewed more sympathetically, often as part of India's moral and cultural outreach

Policy for Tibetan Rehabilitation (TRP) 2014

• Goal: The main goal of the TRP 2014 is to get Tibetans involved in Indian society in a useful way.
• Benefits: The policy gives Tibetans access to a number of opportunities, such as
• The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, or MGNREGA,
• Home-based jobs
• More education
• Training in skills
• Integration: Because of these rules, Tibetans are now part of India's legal and economic systems.

Must Have a Plan for Sri Lankan Refugees

• More Refugees, Less Help: There are more Sri Lankan refugees than Tibetan refugees, but they don't get as much help.
• Not many jobs for graduates: only 5% of the about 500 engineering graduates who graduate find work.
• Mistreatment: Because they are "refugees" and the law isn't clear, they have to deal with mistreatment.

Role of India in Hosting Refugees

India has played a significant role in providing refuge to persecuted communities throughout history. Its approach is shaped by a blend of humanitarian values, cultural traditions, and geopolitical considerations.

Long History of Asylum

• India has a rich historical tradition of offering sanctuary to people fleeing persecution and conflict.
  
  
• This tradition dates back centuries and has continued through modern times, displaying India’s unofficial yet inclusive refugee policy.

Diverse Refugee Groups Accepted

India has welcomed various communities over time, including:

• Parsis: Fled religious persecution from Persia (modern-day Iran) centuries ago and found shelter in India.
  
  
• 1971 Bangladeshis: During the Bangladesh Liberation War, India hosted millions of refugees fleeing East Pakistan.
  
  
• Tibetans: Since 1959, thousands have taken refuge in India after the Chinese occupation of Tibet.
  
  
• Afghan and Myanmar Refugees (not explicitly mentioned but significant): India has hosted refugees fleeing instability and conflict from Afghanistan and ethnic violence in Myanmar.

‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ Spirit

• India’s response is deeply rooted in its cultural ethos of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, meaning “The Guest is God.”
  
  
• This philosophy encourages respectful and compassionate treatment of guests, including those seeking refuge.

Enhanced Soft Power

• India’s consistent willingness to host and integrate refugees has bolstered its soft power.
  
  
• It reflects India’s humanitarian values, moral leadership, and global image as a compassionate and responsible nation.
  

Practice Question: Q. Critically examine in light of India’s historical approach to displaced populations.