Research Paper
DECEMBER 2007
IPCS Research Papers
National Refugee Law for India: Benefits and Roadblocks
Arjun Nair
Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies New De-lihi, INDIA
© 2007, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies is not responsible for the facts, views or opinion expressed by the author. The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), established in August 1996, is an independent think tank devoted to research on peace and security from a South Asian perspective. Its aim is to develop a comprehensive and alternative framework for peace and security in the region catering to the changing demands of national, regional and global security. Address: B 7/3 Lower Ground Floor Safdarjung Enclave New Delhi 110029 INDIA Tel: 91-11-4100 1900, 4165 2556, 4165 2557, 4165 2558, 4165 2559 Fax: (91-11) 4165 2560 Email: officemail@ipcs.org Web: www.ipcs.org
CONTENTS
Overview of Refugees Situation in India................................................................................... 1 Roadblocks to Formulating a Law.............................................................................................. 4 The Refugee Law and Its Benefits.............................................................................................. 6 Conclusion and Recommendations............................................................................................ 9
Overview of Refugees Situation in India
India’s status as a preferred refugee haven is confirmed by the steady flow of refugees from many of its subcontinental neighbours as also from elsewhere. India continues to receive them despite its own over-a-billion population with at least six hundred million living in poverty with limited access to basic amenities. However, the Indian legal framework has no uniform law to deal with its huge refugee population, and has not made any progress towards evolving one either; until then, it chooses to treat
IPCS Research Papers
National Refugee Law for India: Benefits and Roadblocks
Arjun Nair
Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies New De-lihi, INDIA
© 2007, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies is not responsible for the facts, views or opinion expressed by the author. The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), established in August 1996, is an independent think tank devoted to research on peace and security from a South Asian perspective. Its aim is to develop a comprehensive and alternative framework for peace and security in the region catering to the changing demands of national, regional and global security. Address: B 7/3 Lower Ground Floor Safdarjung Enclave New Delhi 110029 INDIA Tel: 91-11-4100 1900, 4165 2556, 4165 2557, 4165 2558, 4165 2559 Fax: (91-11) 4165 2560 Email: officemail@ipcs.org Web: www.ipcs.org
CONTENTS
Overview of Refugees Situation in India................................................................................... 1 Roadblocks to Formulating a Law.............................................................................................. 4 The Refugee Law and Its Benefits.............................................................................................. 6 Conclusion and Recommendations............................................................................................ 9
Overview of Refugees Situation in India
India’s status as a preferred refugee haven is confirmed by the steady flow of refugees from many of its subcontinental neighbours as also from elsewhere. India continues to receive them despite its own over-a-billion population with at least six hundred million living in poverty with limited access to basic amenities. However, the Indian legal framework has no uniform law to deal with its huge refugee population, and has not made any progress towards evolving one either; until then, it chooses to treat