<p>This study investigates the experiences of Chin refugees in Mizoram, India, focusing on their resilience, livelihood strategies, and the role of community-based social work in a context marked by legal ambiguity and policy absence. India, as a non-signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, lacks a formal refugee protection framework, leaving displaced populations to rely on ad hoc arrangements and civil society support. Using a qualitative case study approach, this research draws from interviews, field observations, and community narratives to examine how the Chin community survives and adapts within such a precarious environment. The study applies three analytical frameworks: refugee resilience and the sustainable livelihoods approach, human rights discourse in non-signatory states, and the ecological model of social work. Findings reveal that social capital—particularly bonding ties within ethnic networks and bridging connections with host communities—plays a vital role in refugee adaptation. However, the absence of linking capital with state institutions continues to hinder long-term security and integration. Faith-based organizations, particularly the Young Mizo Association and church networks, are central to delivering essential services and psychosocial support. Yet, their efforts are insufficient to address structural challenges, including gender-based vulnerabilities and legal exclusion. This research advocates for a rights-based and gender-sensitive policy response that integrates humanitarian practice with professional social work principles. It contributes to regional discourse on refugee governance and affirms the importance of community resilience in shaping survival pathways where state protection is absent. The Chin experience provides critical insights into the possibilities and limitations of grassroots humanitarianism.</p>