Rohingya Refugees

Indonesian search and rescue ship rescued dozens of Rohingya refugees from a capsized wooden boat off the coast of Aceh.

Who Are the Rohingya?

• The Rohingya are an ethnic group, mostly Muslims, from Myanmar, particularly from the Rakhine state.
• They speak their own language, known as Rohingya or Ruaingga.
• Since 1982, Myanmar has denied them citizenship, rendering them stateless.
• Historical records show the Rohingya have been in the region since at least the 12th century.
• After Myanmar gained independence, British-era migrations were considered illegal, affecting their citizenship rights.

Origins of the Rohingya:

• The Rohingya’s ancestry can be traced back to the Arakan kingdom, now part of Myanmar.
• Their name, “Rohingya,” originates from “Rohang,” a term related to Arakan, combined with “gya,” indicating their origin.
• They are culturally and religiously distinct from Myanmar’s majority Buddhist population and speak a dialect of Bengali.
• The 1982 citizenship laws classified them as either “resident foreigners” or “associate citizens,” provided they could prove ancestry in Myanmar before 1823.

About United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR):

• Established in 1950, UNHCR was formed to address the needs of millions displaced by the Second World War.
• Its primary mission is to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people.
• UNHCR actively aids and protects refugees, ensuring they receive the support they need.
• It also facilitates voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to new countries, depending on the best solution for those it serves.

Legal Framework and Funding

• The organization operates under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, providing a solid legal base for its actions.
• UNHCR’s funding comes mainly from voluntary contributions, with 85% sourced from governments and the European Union.

Awards and Achievements

• UNHCR was honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1954 and 1981, recognizing its continuous efforts in fostering peace and support for the displaced.
• It also initiated the Nansen Refugee Award in 1954, highlighting significant contributions to refugee assistance.

Governance and Functions

• With its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, UNHCR’s reach spans across 137 member countries, including India.
• The organization leads and coordinates international actions for refugee protection, ensuring a concerted effort worldwide.
• It places a strong emphasis on protecting the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.