There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.

(a) Moral issues surrounding refugees

Refugees from conflict-prone areas such as Syria, Yemen, Myanmar etc are part of larger collection of refugees due to reasons even of climate change (as in Sahel region). Following are the issues:

• Right to life as an international human right (UNDHR) is abrogated by many countries (e.g. USA closing border to people from Muslim countries)
• Loss of livelihood leads to income insecurity, lack of social security & poverty e.g.: Rohingya slum in Bangladesh.
• Right of citizens of countries on its resources may be affected by refugees e.g.: Bangladesh.
• Security concerns due to threat of radicalisation and terrorism (e.g: Rakhine army)

⊙ Non-refoulement as a right of refugees is abrogated as sent back e.g: UK sending refugees to Rwanda recently.

⊙ Focus on economy rather than social justice in destination countries.

⊙ Vulnerable sections such as women & children face sexual harassment, lack of dignity in the camps (UNHCR).

(b) As a senior official in MEA, my duty is to ensure that India's foreign policy reflects its commitment to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and 'enlightened self interest' and at the same time to ensure security of our nation borders and citizens.

In this context, my recommendations will be as:

⊙ Border screening needs to ensured to weed out the radical elements and only allow 'geniune refugees'

⊙ The refugee camps and homes are to be properly built with both dignified homes (under ARHC of PMAY) and WASH facilities (SBM, Saubhagya etc)

⊙ Refugees will be provided with Id cards in collaboration with UNHCR for social security and provision of food, etc

⊙ Livelihood rehabilitation of refugees through MGNREGA, skilling along with NGOs and private sector → Such as Karwan-e-Mohabbat NGO.