UN accused of running a “showroom” in India to distribute refugee certificates

Supreme Court slams the United Nations
Court also criticizes the UN for wrongly issuing “refugee cards”!

New Delhi – The Supreme Court of India has strongly objected to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) issuing “refugee cards” to migrants residing in India. Justice Surya Kant observed that the UN has practically opened a “showroom” in India to distribute such certificates. The observation came while hearing a petition filed by a Sudanese national, who had sought interim protection from the Indian government on the basis of her UN-issued “refugee card.”

What is the case about ?

For the past 2 months, Delhi authorities have been conducting a drive to detain African migrants. In this context, a Sudanese woman; living in India since 2013; filed a petition before the Supreme Court, requesting that the Indian government not detain her and that she be granted interim protection. She stated that she possesses a refugee card issued by the United Nations and is currently seeking asylum in Australia.

Petitioner’s argument

The petitioner’s counsel argued that the Foreigners Registration Office and the Ministry of Human Rights treat individuals possessing refugee cards differently. Justice Surya Kant responded that while the court would refrain from extensive remarks, the matter raises serious concerns.

The Supreme Court ultimately dismissed the petition, advising the woman to pursue her asylum process in Australia instead. However, the court permitted her to approach the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for additional protection if needed.