Rohingya Refugee Children Denied Education in India

Rohingya refugee children in India are facing significant obstacles in accessing education, The Guardian revealed in an article yesterday.

According to the source, many local government schools have refused to enroll these children, citing their status as Rohingya refugees. Despite presenting necessary documentation, including UNHCR cards, schools have consistently denied admission, leaving families without options for formal education.

The Delhi High Court recently upheld these refusals, stating that Rohingyas are considered “foreigners” lacking legal status in India. This ruling reflects a broader trend of increasing hostility towards the Rohingya community, particularly since the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2014. The party and associated groups have labeled Rohingyas as security threats, advocating for their expulsion from the country.

Activists argue that the denial of education not only harms individual children but also jeopardizes the future of the entire community. They argue that the lack of educational opportunities perpetuates cycles of poverty and dependence, raising concerns about the long-term implications for both the Rohingya population and the social fabric of India.