Stop Violence Against Burmese in Delhi: Burmese Refugees

 New Delhi, 9 March 2014 – Delhi has witnessed numerous crimes against people of Mongoloid features. Hundreds of Burmese refugees staged a protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on Saturday (March 8), urging the Burmese government to cease the use of rape and violence against women as weapons of war.

The Burmese refugees are calling for the immediate intervention of the Delhi government (India), the UNHCR, and the international community to put an end to all crimes and acts of violence against Burmese refugees living in New Delhi.

From young children to the elderly, including many women, a large number of people turned out for the protest, which was organised by Burmese Refugee Women Delhi (BRWD) to coincide with International Women’s Day.

According to Burmese Refugee Women Delhi, more than 200 cases of various forms of violence against Burmese women and children have been documented in Delhi alone over the past three years.

Of these, more than 100 cases are related to sexual violence. This remains an ongoing issue, with no proper protection mechanisms in place for Burmese refugees in New Delhi.

Out of the over 200 documented cases, only one has been resolved so far. The main perpetrator, an Indian man who allegedly raped a minor Burmese girl, was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment. The remaining cases remain unresolved.

Miss Rosalinn Zahau, a field officer for the New Delhi-based Chin Human Rights Organisation (CHRO), stated: “Though the rapist was imprisoned, the victim still feels unsafe. It is extremely difficult for us to attend court regularly due to financial hardship and language barriers.”

“UNHCR has not completely neglected our problems, but on many occasions, they [UNHCR] have victimised the victims. We want them to stop blaming the poor victims,” Zahau asserted.

A deeply distressing recent incident involved the alleged rape of a two-year-old Burmese child by a local Indian man. The victim’s mother was unaware of the assault and initially urged her child, who was unable to sleep, to rest. Only after consulting a doctor, who confirmed that the child had been raped, did the mother realise the horrific ordeal her child had endured. Burmese refugees have witnessed countless other incidents of sexual assault.

Burmese Refugee Women Delhi estimates that around 10,000 Burmese refugees live in New Delhi, primarily in areas such as Vikaspuri, Uttam Nagar, and Dabri Mor. The Burmese female population is believed to be approximately 5,000.

Miss Maengi, a member of Burmese Refugee Women Delhi, stated: “We, especially women, are not safe at all. We are vulnerable to all forms of crime and violence. We urge the UNHCR to act swiftly to ensure our safety.”

Another woman, Sawmtei, from Burma’s Tahan village, has lived in Delhi for the past three years and has also faced sexual harassment and verbal abuse from local Indians.

Most Burmese refugees earn a living by working in local factories, packaging, charger repair, cable wire cutting, iron moulding, and washing utensils. These workers earn between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000 per month.

Muangpi, a 20-year-old refugee who fled his home in Kalemyo three years ago due to fear of the Burmese military forces, now works in a local factory earning Rs 3,000 per month. “Some of us work at wedding parties as waiters and earn Rs 800 per night. However, this is not a regular job, so many remain unemployed.”

Mangnu, a young Burmese woman who works as an interpreter for the UNHCR, stated: “We are protesting here to raise our voices, which have gone unheard for so long.” She arrived in Delhi in 2008. Many of the harrowing experiences faced by Burmese refugees in New Delhi have never been brought to public attention.

The Burmese community is calling on the Delhi government to establish dedicated police units in areas with a significant Burmese population. They have also demanded improved healthcare services and job opportunities from both the Delhi government and the UNHCR.

Many Burmese refugees continue to face severe health and employment issues, making their lives extremely difficult.

Burmese Refugee Women Delhi is seeking assistance from the UNHCR and the international community to provide a safer environment, free education for refugee children, and subsistence allowances to help them survive in Delhi.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
Special Correspondent, New Delhi
The Mizoram Post | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today

 

Share: