Resolving the Issue of Sea-stranded Rohingyas

The article addresses a boat of around 90 Rohingya refugees that left Cox’s Bazar around 11 February 2021 and broke down at sea; when the Indian Coast Guard rescued them around 25 February, at least eight had died.

It states with reasonable certainty that Bangladesh and India have acted in line with their obligations, and writes: ‘Now, as important as it is to illustrate what the law mandates, it is equally important to note where it is silent.’ As neither must take them ashore, it argues: ‘Hence, it is clear that the rules of international law are not outfitted to effectively deal with this situation.’

It ends: ‘This tragedy of epic proportions beseeches compassion, and national, regional and global solidarity.’