India’s human rights situation comes under scrutiny at UNHRC session
Geneva: India’s deteriorating human rights situation, particularly concerning minorities and religious freedoms, has come under sharp scrutiny during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
According to Kashmir Media Service, concerns were raised by UN officials, member states and international organisations over what was described as a worsening environment for human rights defenders and minority communities across India.
Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, highlighted the challenges faced by activists, noting that those working at the Archana Women’s Centre in Kerala deal with daily cases of gender-based violence. She underlined the risks faced by individuals documenting abuses, particularly women, amid increasing pressure.
During the session, Pakistan drew attention to what it termed institutionalised discrimination in India, linking it to policies associated with the BJP and RSS, and the promotion of Hindutva ideology. It said a number of laws and measures, including citizenship legislation and anti-conversion laws, have disproportionately affected Muslims and other minority communities.
Participants also expressed concern over inflammatory rhetoric attributed to leaders of the ruling party, warning that such statements could contribute to an environment of intolerance and hostility towards minorities. Remarks linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding public spending on graveyards were also cited by critics as problematic.
International organisations, including the World Evangelical Alliance and the Minority Rights Group, highlighted alleged violations of burial and funeral rights. They reported that some Christian families faced difficulties in burying their dead, while Adivasi Christians and Dalits encountered barriers linked to social and caste-based discrimination.
Concerns were also raised regarding reports from Uttarakhand, where alleged demolitions and desecration of Muslim graveyards and shrines were cited as examples of threats to religious heritage.
During the interactive dialogue with Nazila Ghanea, the Indian delegation rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and based on incorrect information.
Observers said the discussions at the UN forum reflected broader concerns about shrinking civic space, increasing pressure on minorities and challenges to religious freedom in India, raising questions about the country’s adherence to its international human rights commitments.
