USCIRF Condemns India’s Expulsion of Rohingya Refugees to Myanmar

Arakan Now | 6 September 2025

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has expressed serious concern over the Indian government’s recent efforts to expel Rohingya refugees back to Burma. This move, targeting predominantly Muslim Rohingya, coincides with campaigns to deport hundreds of Bengali-speaking Muslims to Bangladesh under the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

“The Indian government’s expulsion of Rohingya refugees is a blatant disregard for international law and the principle of non-refoulement,” said USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler. “The Indian authorities must immediately end this unlawful expulsion and arbitrary detention of refugees, who face severe persecution if forced to return to Burma.”

The crackdown against Bengali-speaking Muslims and Rohingya sets a dangerous precedent for religious freedom in India. In May, Indian authorities reportedly deported 40 Rohingya refugees, forcing them on a perilous boat journey back to Burma. Although India has hosted thousands of Rohingya refugees since 2017, they are not formally recognized as refugees under the Foreigners Act. 

Similarly, Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam are being classified as “illegal immigrants” from Bangladesh, with hundreds deported since May without due process.

“Forcing Muslims to prove their citizenship is a direct targeting based on religious identity and violates India’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” said Commissioner Stephen Schneck. “We urge the U.S. government to incorporate religious freedom into its bilateral engagement with India, emphasizing protections for Muslim populations and other religious minorities.”

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate India as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for systematic and ongoing violations of religious freedom.