Leading experts and advocates around the region convene to discuss the plight of refugees and find solutions
A webinar titled “Refugee Crisis in Southasia” brought together prominent experts, activists, and leaders to discuss the complex nature of the refugee plight in Southasia* driven by historical events, conflicts, political interests, and economic challenges.
Journalist and women’s rights advocate in Kathmandu, Namrata Sharma, hosted the event, which took place on Sunday, 29 Oct. 2023. Feminist and rights activist Khushi Kabir moderated the discussion from Dhaka.
The webinar offered invaluable perspectives and solutions in a region grappling with a complex refugee situation, emphasising the urgency of the problem.
“The most significant challenge to addressing refugee issues is a lack of empathy towards refugees, especially those belonging to minority groups and people in need,” said Ravi Nair, Executive Director of South Asia Human Rights. He stressed the word illegal should not be used to tag those fleeing for safety.
He drew attention to the increasing statelessness of the problem and the region’s disregard for international humanitarian law, as well as the importance of international cooperation in providing humanitarian aid, resettlement opportunities, and improving living conditions for displaced communities. He also emphasised the scale of the refugee issue in Southasia, with a significant focus on the latest flood of Rohingya migrants in Bangladesh and Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
Lawyer, educator, and rights activist Shireen Huq, co-founder of the women’s activist group Naripokkho in Dhaka, focused on the Rohingya influx in Bangladesh. She conveyed deep concern about the ongoing poor conditions, highlighting the lack of progress in repatriation efforts and the political commitment from the Myanmar regime. Huq underlined the current challenges faced by the Rohingya refugees in the camp, which include increasing armed violence, a lack of resources for the smooth operation of the camp, and tensions between refugees and local communities.
She also underscored the sexual violence Rohingya women face with perpetrators ranging from the Myanmar army and Buddhist priests to fellow Rohingya men within the camps. Huq’s speech also emphasised the complex dynamics between the refugee and local communities due to resource disparities.
The media has portrayed Rohingya individuals as criminals; criminal actions of a few people should not reflect on the entire society, said Razia Sultana, lawyer, educator, and rights activist. She emphasised the urgent need for support from civil society organisations and policymakers to address the challenges faced by the Rohingya community.
Sultana pointed out the desperate need for education and job opportunities in Rohingya’s camps. She expressed the need for 40,000 youth opportunities for work and study. She highlighted the detrimental impact of the male-dominated culture in Rohingya society and the inadequate discussion on repatriation. Sultana also noted the negative perceptions of Rohingya by policymakers in Bangladesh and Myanmar, making advocacy and prioritization difficult.
Dr Saba Gul Khattak, a former member of Pakistan’s Planning Commission and executive director at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), added to the discussion by addressing the Afghan refugees in Pakistan. She highlighted the longstanding presence of Afghan refugees spanning over 43 years. She expressed concern over the influx of new arrivals in Pakistan post-August 2021 following the Doha deal and the subsequent human rights, women’s rights, and gender apartheid challenges in Afghanistan.
The Pakistani government’s denial of refugee status to many new arrivals and their forced return to Afghanistan was a significant concern and ineffective response from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), raising questions of international responsibility. Additionally, she underlined the inadequacy of UNHCR’s funding for supporting refugees in Afghanistan.
Dr Khattak pointed out that while Pakistan lacks specific refugee legislation, it is not devoid of legal frameworks for refugees as it has signed agreements with UNHCR and international instruments, including the Convention Against Torture. She also highlighted the pressing issues of mental health and sexual violence among the refugees, emphasising the need for adequate support in these areas. She stressed that “it is essential to balance security concerns with humanitarian concerns. Security concerns cannot trump humanitarian concerns.”
Echoing Dr Khattak, Dr Sima Samar, an acclaimed humanitarian and diplomat, expressed that Afghan people have been refugees under various regimes, caught between extreme Left and Right. She described, “It is challenging to leave what you have behind, even if you have a mud house, even if you have a small space to put your tent; it’s your country, so people will not choose to become refugees and go to another country.”
Dr Samar highlighted that access to reproductive rights, including contraception, was also essential to address the rising population and related issues. Samar stressed that the lack of education and opportunities had led some refugees to Madrasas and extremist groups. Samar underscored the crucial role of education in empowerment, development, and sustainable peace. She expressed concern about the potential for a generation under the Taliban in the future. Dr. Samar emphasised the significance of creating positive memories in the host country and treating all humans with dignity.
Discussion moderator, Khushi Kabir, expertly aided in open dialogue among the speakers and the audience. Her skilful management ensured a thought-provoking and engaging experience, with participants engaging actively through a Q&A session. Lively discussions on social media underlined a growing concern about the refugee situation.
Call to Action:
In the wake of this critical discussion, we urge the governments of Southasian countries to come together to create a multilateral treaty to collaborate to resolve the refugee crisis in Southasia.
We plead with the government of Pakistan to reconsider its decision to deport the Afghani Refugees.
We urge the UNHCR and international committees to provide a sustainable solution to the refugee crisis in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
We call on local organisations, community leaders, and individuals around Southasia and beyond to contribute to alleviating the refugee crisis in Southasia.
Your support can make a significant difference.
Note on Southasia as one word: Following the lead of Himal Southasian, Sapan uses ‘Southasia’ as one word, “seeking to restore some of the historical unity of our common living space, without wishing any violence on the existing nation-states.”
Southasia Peace Action Network, or Sapan, brings together individuals and organisations, calling for a regional approach to human development and social justice, reduced geopolitical tensions in the subcontinent, and visa-free travel to revive historical links between the peoples of Southasia.
Contact: southasiapeaceactionnetwork@gmail.com
To access the webinar recording and related resources, please visit the Sapan YouTube channel.
Southasia Peace Action Network 