Migration Crises and Humanitarian Interventions: Global and Indian Perspectives

Migration Crises and Humanitarian Interventions: Global and Indian Perspectives

Migration Crises have been a persistent global challenge, affecting millions of lives and shaping international policies. From forced displacements caused by conflicts to economic migrations driven by inequalities, the issue demands a multi-dimensional approach. For India, understanding migration dynamics is crucial, not just from a humanitarian perspective but also for its socio-political and economic stability. This blog explores the global and Indian perspectives on migration crises and humanitarian interventions.

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Understanding Migration Crises

Migration crises are characterized by large-scale human movements due to factors like:

1. Conflict and War: Situations like the Syria crisis, Rohingya exodus, and the Russia-Ukraine War have forced millions to flee their homes.
2. Climate Change: Rising sea levels, desertification, and extreme weather events are displacing populations globally. India faces significant internal migration due to flooding and droughts.
3. Economic Disparities: Economic migrations are common in search of better opportunities. South Asia, including India, sees significant migration to Gulf countries.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 108.4 million people globally were forcibly displaced as of 2022.

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Humanitarian Interventions: A Global Overview

1. International Organizations
   • UNHCR provides aid to refugees, offering shelter, food, and education.
   • International Organization for Migration (IOM) assists in the voluntary return of migrants and supports governments in crisis management.
2. Policies and Frameworks
   • The Global Compact for Migration (GCM), adopted by 152 countries, including India, outlines principles for safe and orderly migration.
   • The Paris Agreement emphasizes addressing climate-induced migration through sustainable development.
3. Humanitarian Assistance
   NGOs like the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and Amnesty International play a crucial role in providing immediate aid to displaced populations.

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Migration Crises in India

India has witnessed significant migration, both internal and cross-border, driven by factors like economic disparities, environmental challenges, and social conflicts. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the plight of migrant workers, emphasizing the need for robust policies.

Internal Migration

• Rural-to-urban migration dominates India’s internal migration landscape. According to the Economic Survey 2017, over 139 million Indians migrated within the country in 2011.

Cross-Border Migration

• India hosts refugees from neighboring countries, including:
  • Tibetans since the 1950s.
  • Bangladeshi migrants, especially in Assam and West Bengal.
  • Rohingya refugees, who face significant challenges in India.

Climate-Induced Migration

• States like Odisha and West Bengal face displacement due to cyclones and rising sea levels. Programs like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) address some aspects of climate-induced migration.

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Government Initiatives

India has taken steps to address migration challenges:

1. Schemes for Migrant Workers:
   • PM Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan: Launched during the pandemic to provide livelihood opportunities for returning migrant workers.
   • One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC): Ensures food security for migrant workers by enabling portability of ration cards.
2. Border Management:
   • Policies to strengthen border security have been implemented to manage cross-border migration effectively.
3. Climate Resilience Programs:
   • Schemes like Jal Shakti Abhiyan and PM KUSUM Yojana aim to address rural distress and reduce migration caused by environmental factors.

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Challenges in Addressing Migration Crises

1. Policy Gaps:
   India lacks a comprehensive national migration policy, which leads to inadequate support for migrants.
2. Human Rights Concerns:
   Migrants often face exploitation, lack of legal documentation, and inadequate access to basic amenities.
3. Regional Tensions:
   Cross-border migrations, especially from Bangladesh and Myanmar, often lead to socio-political tensions in northeastern states.
4. Climate Vulnerabilities:
   India’s growing climate challenges necessitate robust strategies to address displacement due to environmental degradation.

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Recommendations for Tackling Migration Crises

1. National Migration Policy
   Develop a comprehensive migration policy addressing internal and cross-border migrations, ensuring legal safeguards for migrants.
2. Regional Cooperation
   Strengthen partnerships with neighboring countries under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) framework for collaborative migration management.
3. Skill Development and Employment
   Expand programs like SHREYAS and PM Vishwakarma Scheme to create local livelihood opportunities, reducing the need for migration.
4. Climate Resilience Planning
   Integrate migration considerations into climate policies like the State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs).
5. Technology for Migration Tracking
   Platforms like e-SHRAM can be expanded to create a comprehensive database of migrant workers for better policymaking.

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Case Studies

1. COVID-19 Migrant Crisis
   • Millions of workers were displaced due to the pandemic-induced lockdown.
   • Government schemes like PM Garib Kalyan Yojana and community efforts helped mitigate the crisis.
2. Rohingya Refugees in India
   • Over 18,000 Rohingya refugees live in India, facing challenges of legal status and basic rights.
   • Collaborative efforts between the UNHCR and the Indian government have improved refugee support systems.

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Relevance for UPSC and State PCS

Migration is a critical topic for both Prelims and Mains, especially in General Studies papers on social justice, international relations, and climate change. Aspirants should focus on:

1. Reports and Data
   • Global Migration Report
   • National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) data on internal migration.
2. Policies and Frameworks
   • Study international agreements like the Global Compact for Refugees (GCR).
3. Answer Writing
   • Use examples of Indian government schemes and global case studies to substantiate answers.
4. Resources
   • Refer to platforms like Sleepy Classes for curated study materials on social justice and governance.
   • Use the PRS Legislative Research for understanding policy measures.

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Conclusion

Migration crises demand a balanced approach, combining humanitarian considerations with robust policy frameworks. India, as a significant player in global migration governance, has the opportunity to lead by example. By addressing challenges at the grassroots level and strengthening regional cooperation, India can turn migration challenges into opportunities for inclusive growth.

For in-depth guidance, explore Sleepy Classes’ GS courses and PSIR resources. External references like UNHCR and PRS India provide valuable insights into global and regional migration issues.