TS Tirumurti underlined that the refugee issue is a global challenge. (file)
New York:
Underlining India’s commitment to humanitarian protection of refugees, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti on Tuesday said that when West Pakistan carried out genocide on East Pakistan, India hosted lakhs of refugees and saved them from genocide. Rescued.
Speaking at the UNSC briefing by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Mr. Tirumurti said, “In contemporary history, India’s hospitality, and aid to the refugee communities of neighboring countries is well recorded and appreciated. Be it Tibetans or our brothers and sisters from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Myanmar, India has always responded with compassion and understanding. When West Pakistan massacred East Pakistan, India hosted millions of refugees and massacred them. saved from.”
He said India’s humanitarian response to the refugee issue from Bangladesh is one of the most sophisticated and sympathetic in contemporary history.
“This may well represent one of the first examples of the United Nations’ concept of ‘Responsibility to Protect.’ Should have got luck,” said Sri Tirumurti.
The ambassador said that throughout history, India has been a refuge for those who have faced persecution in foreign lands.
“India’s humanitarian response to the refugee issue, especially those facing persecution, has always been inspired by ideals of compassion and empathy. Centuries ago, when Parsis and Jews faced persecution, they were given a ready home in India. If not for India, the Zoroastrian faith might not have survived. Now, both are very much part of India’s glorious pluralistic culture and heritage,” he said.
The Indian Ambassador emphasized that at present, India hosts a large number of refugees and programs to assist them are managed entirely from the country’s own resources.
He said that India is committed to facilitating the dignified, safe and permanent return of refugees to their homeland.
Mr. Tirumurti further said, “India has long been helping refugees elsewhere in the Near East through the involvement of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). India has been instrumental in UNRWA’s contribution to human development and delivery of humanitarian services. continues to support the role. We have further increased our contribution in recent years.”
He conveyed India’s concern over the increase in the number of refugees and internally displaced persons under the mandate of the UNHCR, reaching over 91 million people.
Ambassador Tirumurti said that preventing armed conflicts, countering terrorism, creating and maintaining peace through facilitating sustainable development and good governance will prevent people from being forced to leave their homeland.
“We cannot have states adhering to policies that escalate conflict on the one hand and then refuse to deal with an influx of refugees on the other. The primary duty and responsibility to protect and assist IDPs lies with the states concerned The international action should remain within the bounds. The concept of sovereignty, which should not be diluted in any way. Therefore, such action should be taken only at the request of the country concerned,” he said.
Shri Tirumurti underlined that the refugee issue is a global challenge and no country can solve the issue alone.
“We strongly believe that the principles of humanity, fairness and neutrality should be upheld in the handling of refugee cases. This is critical to maintaining the credibility of the international refugee protection mechanism. Member States and the UNHCR are committed to the objectives and principles Must remain. Avoid politicizing the United Nations Charter and humanitarian work.”
The ambassador said that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the existing humanitarian challenges and refugees are majorly affected by the socioeconomic impact of this crisis.
“India is committed to the humanitarian protection of refugees. We also believe that this humanitarian effort should be in line with welfare objectives and national security. We strongly believe that resolving the refugee issue requires resolute action, solidarity and multilateralism. The need is greater than ever.” she added.
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