Global Humanitarian Crisis

REFUGEE RIGHTS

HOMELESS BUT NOT RIGHTLESS

They flee war, persecution, and climate collapse, only to face barbed wire and bureaucracy. Refugees are people who have been forced to cross borders to save their lives.

India is home to thousands of refugees, yet we lack a specific legal framework to protect them. They live in a legal grey zone—protected by the Constitution's humanitarian ethos but vulnerable to the Foreigners Act's threat of deportation.

OPEN THE GATES →STATUS IN INDIA

Part 2: The Displacement

The World on the Move

Based on UNHCR Global Trends & MHA India Data

110M

Forcibly Displaced

Worldwide (UNHCR)

212k

Refugees in India

Officially recognized (MHA)

Legal Status

India is not a 1951 Signatory

40%

Are Children

Born in statelessness

The Legal Vacuum

India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention. This means there is no formal law distinguishing a "Refugee" (fleeing persecution) from an "Illegal Immigrant" (economic migrant). All foreigners without valid visas fall under the Foreigners Act, 1946, giving the government unchecked power to deport them.

Populations in Limbo

Sri Lankan Tamils: Living in camps in Tamil Nadu for decades, but barred from citizenship.
Tibetans: Have special residency permits but cannot vote or own land easily.
Rohingyas & Chins: Face the highest risk of deportation and are often labeled security threats.

BORDER STATUS: CLOSED

[Image of World Map with Migration Routes]

Vulnerability Index

Deportation RiskCritical

Recent trends show active repatriation of Rohingyas.

Access to LivelihoodRestricted

Cannot legally work; mostly in the informal sector.

Identity ProofUNHCR Card

The UNHCR card is not officially recognized for SIM cards or Bank accounts.

"Refugees didn't leave their homes because they wanted to. They left because home became the mouth of a shark."

Part 3: The Law

The Constitutional Shield

Rights that exist even without a Refugee Law.

Article 21

Right to Life

The Supreme Court (NHRC vs State of Arunachal) ruled that Article 21 applies to ALL persons on Indian soil, citizens or not. The state cannot deprive them of life or liberty arbitrarily.

Universal Right

Non-Refoulement

International Custom

A principle of international law that forbids a country from returning asylum seekers to a country where they face persecution. India respects this in principle, though not bound by treaty.

Customary Law

The Statutory Weapon

Foreigners Act 1946

Gives the Central Govt absolute power to deport any foreigner. It puts the "Burden of Proof" on the individual to prove they are not a foreigner.

Article 14 (Equality)

Applies to "any person." It prevents arbitrary state action against refugees, though it does not grant them citizenship rights.

Right to Education

Children of refugees can attend government schools under the RTE Act, regardless of their documentation status.

Part 4: The Barriers

Why Is Safety Denied?

No Aadhaar

Without Aadhaar, refugees cannot open bank accounts, buy SIM cards, or access formal jobs, forcing them into exploitation.

Deportation Fear

Any interaction with police risks detention in "Holding Centers" and eventual deportation back to danger.

Xenophobia

Local populations often view refugees as stealing jobs or resources, leading to social boycotts and violence.

Slum Living

Refugees often live in unrecognized slums (jhuggis) with no sanitation, water, or electricity, vulnerable to demolition.

CAA Exclusion

The Citizenship Amendment Act fast-tracks citizenship for some groups but excludes Muslims (e.g., Rohingyas), creating a tiered system.

YOUR ROLE

Employ refugees. Rent to them. Treat them with the dignity you would expect if you lost your own home.

Part 5: The Response

BRAC SANCTUARY PROTOCOL

Providing stability in a world of uncertainty.

1. Legal Documentation

Identity is protection.

• UNHCR Registration: Assisting asylum seekers in getting refugee cards.

• Long Term Visas: Helping eligible groups apply for LTVs from the Govt.

2. Anti-Deportation Defense

Stopping the planes.

• Court Stays: Filing petitions in High Courts to halt deportation orders.

• Detention Aid: Providing legal counsel to those in holding centers.

3. Essential Services

Surviving day-to-day.

• School Access: Enrolling refugee children in local Govt schools.

• Health Camps: Providing basic medical care in refugee settlements.

4. Livelihood Support

Dignity through work.

• Skill Training: Tailoring, crafts, and language classes.

• Market Linkage: Selling refugee-made products (e.g., Afghan crafts).

5. Community Integration

Building bridges.

• Cultural Exchange: Events to reduce hostility with locals.

• Protection Groups: Community watches to prevent harassment.

ACTIVATE SANCTUARY

Select your impact level. 85% of funds go directly to programs.

IMPACT LEVEL 1

₹1,500

Provides winter clothes and blankets for a refugee family.

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RECOMMENDED

IMPACT LEVEL 2

₹5,000

Funds legal aid to fight a deportation case in High Court.

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IMPACT LEVEL 3

₹25,000

Sponsors education supplies for 20 refugee children for a year.

DONATE NOW

Tax Deductible under Section 80G.

Transparency: You will receive a donation receipt & impact report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can refugees get Indian citizenship?

Generally, no. However, under the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act), non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered before 2014 can apply. Others must go through naturalization (12 years residency), which is rare.

What rights do refugees have in India?

They have the Right to Life (Article 21) and Equality (Article 14). They do NOT have the right to free movement, speech, or employment that citizens enjoy.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. BRAC is registered under Section 80G. You will receive a tax exemption certificate via email within 7 days.

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