India should join hands to protect Rohingyas

Amnesty International India (AII) has called upon the Bangladesh and India governments to protect Rohingya refugees.

AII Executive Director Aakar Patel, in a press release on Thursday, said India's reluctance to provide refuge for 40,000 Rohingyas is disappointing where Bangladesh has been exemplary in opening its doors to nearly a million Rohingya refugees.

“Indian authorities should follow suit by taking effective measures to protect Rohingya people escaping persecution and state violence,” he said.

Amnesty International made the call when the prime ministers of the two countries were on a bilateral meeting in India.

Reminding both governments about their commitment to human rights he said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should uphold their commitment to human rights under national and international law.”

The executive director also urged the both governments to investigate the different attacks which had taken place on socially marginalised communities, human rights defenders, indigenous and secular activists of the two countries.

Requesting to keep safe environment for the press and creating space for different opinions, Patel said, “This can be achieved when both countries have a free and independent press, where journalists are not intimidated, harassed and attacked, and repressive laws are not used to silence them.”