By: Camp Correspondent
New Delhi, May 15, 2025 —
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, has announced that an international investigation is set to begin into India’s recent treatment of Rohingya refugees—many of whom are officially recognized by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
The investigation comes in response to disturbing reports that Indian authorities have arrested and forcibly deported Rohingya refugees, violating international law and refugee protection norms.
Tom Andrews specifically condemned an incident earlier this month where 40 registered Rohingya refugees were arrested in New Delhi on May 6, and then on May 8, were reportedly abandoned in the Andaman Sea by Indian naval forces. The refugees were placed on a small boat and left adrift near the Yephyu and Launglon Townships maritime borderin Tanintharyi Region, Myanmar.
Fortunately, the group managed to reach shore, where they were reportedly rescued by local resistance fighters from the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) and are now under the protection of the National Unity Government (NUG).
“This act is both illegal and morally unacceptable,” said Tom Andrews.
“India must respect the rights of refugees under international law and ensure their safety—not cast them into danger.”
Indian authorities, particularly in states like Assam, have intensified their crackdown on Rohingya communities. Unlike before, deportations are now reportedly taking place without legal proceedings, as confirmed by Assam’s Chief Minister.
In another recent case, Rohingya refugees deported from India near the Bangladesh border were intercepted by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and are currently under review by Bangladeshi authorities, according to media reports in Dhaka last week.
India currently hosts an estimated 18,000 to 20,000 UNHCR-recognized Rohingya refugees, with many more unregistered individuals living in informal settlements across the country. Most fled to India in search of safety from the genocide and systemic violence that uprooted their lives in Myanmar.
Rights groups and international observers are urging India to halt its deportation practices, uphold non-refoulement obligations, and work with UN agencies to ensure the safety, dignity, and legal status of Rohingya refugees on its soil.
