To commemorate the International Day of Refugees, Zo Indigenous Forum (ZIF) and the Student Bar Council (SBC) organized an International Workshop on Refugee Issues in Mizoram on June 20, 2023, at the Legal Chamber of the Government Mizoram Law College.
Ms. Esther L. Chhangte, Principal of Government Mizoram Law College in her welcome speech, addressed the challenges faced by refugees and assured them of their protection under constitutional law, despite the absence of specific refugee legislation in India. She encouraged participants to register with the UNHCR for additional protection and emphasized that individuals seeking refuge in India are recognized as refugees regardless of the terminology used. Ms. Chhangte expressed her support for comprehensive refugee laws and conveyed her hopes for the success of the program in addressing refugee challenges in India.
Salai Isaac Khen, expressed gratitude to the organizers and acknowledged the support provided by Mizoram Law College and various organizations working with Myanmar refugees in Mizoram. He highlighted the ongoing crisis in Myanmar following the coup in February 2021, emphasizing the arrests, killings, and displacement carried out by the military junta. He provided statistics on the number of Myanmar citizens seeking refuge in India, particularly in Mizoram, and emphasized the need for humanitarian aid and support. He assured attendees that the NUG is monitoring the situation and requested compliance with guidelines for refugees living in India. He concluded by expressing hope for the eventual return of refugees to Myanmar once the situation improves.
In her presentation on "Refugee and the Law in India" Ms. Zoparliani, Assistant Professor at Government Mizoram Law College, highlighted India's history of hosting refugees, both under the mandate of the UNHCR and in non-mandate cases. She mentioned various groups of refugees, including those from Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, and Myanmar, as well as refugees from the Partition of India, Tibet, Bangladesh, and other regions. While India has not signed the 1951 Refugee Convention, it has signed numerous human rights instruments, emphasizing respect for international law and human rights. She emphasized the principle of non-refoulement, which ensures that refugees are not forced to return to dangerous situations, as a core aspect of refugee protection.
Ms. Zoparliani stressed the importance of raising awareness about refugee status and rights while adhering to international humanitarian laws. She also mentioned legal precedents set by the Supreme Court of India and highlighted strategies for integrating refugees into the community, such as language exchange, social media awareness, advocating for refugee rights, supporting refugee-owned businesses, promoting education, and fostering friendship and family reunification.
In his presentation on "People-to-People Relations in Indo-Myanmar Relations" Mr. Emmanuel Lalthazuala emphasized the importance of interactions between ordinary citizens of India and Myanmar without official interference. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the influx of refugees from Myanmar in Mizoram and the need for understanding and empathy to achieve peaceful coexistence.
Mr. Lalthazuala highlighted the significance of integration, mutual understanding, language and cultural exchange, economic empowerment, peaceful coexistence, and grassroots support in fostering positive relationships between Burmese refugees and the Mizo community. He called for personal contacts, dialogue, and collaboration to address challenges, promote accountability, and ensure the well-being and rights of both the host community and refugees.