Geneva, September 11 (newsin.asia): The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Prince Zeid Ra’ad bin Hussein, has “deplored” India’s decision to deport 40, 000 Rohingyas on the grounds that they are illegal immigrants and stated that it cannot carry out “collective expulsions.”
Prince Zeid told the 36 th. Session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC): “ I deplore current measures in India to deport Rohingyas at a time of such violence against them in their country. “
“Some 40,000 Rohingyas have settled in India, and 16,000 of them have received refugee documentation. The Minister of State for Home Affairs has reportedly said that because India is not a signatory to the Refugee Convention the country can dispense with international law on the matter, together with basic human compassion. “
“However, by virtue of customary law, its ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the obligations of due process and the universal principle of non-refoulement,
“India cannot carry out collective expulsions, or return people to a place where they risk torture or other serious violations.”
Deterioration of rights situation
“I am also dismayed by a broader rise of intolerance towards religious and other minorities in India,” Zeid added.
“The current wave of violent, and often lethal, mob attacks against people under the pretext of protecting the lives of cows is alarming. People who speak out for fundamental human rights are also threatened.”
“Gauri Lankesh, a journalist who tirelessly addressed the corrosive effect of sectarianism and hatred, was assassinated last week. I have been heartened by the subsequent marches calling for protection of the right to freedom of expression, and by demonstrations in 12 cities to protest the lynchings.”
“ Human rights defenders who work for the rights of India’s most vulnerable groups – including those threatened with displacement by infrastructure projects such as the Sardar Sarovar Dam in the Narmada river valley – should be considered allies in building on India’s achievements to create a stronger and more inclusive society.Instead, many are subject to harassment and even criminal proceedings, or denied protection by the State,” Zeid said.
