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Being a Minority in India!

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India has been known as the world’s largest democracy and a growing economic powerhouse. However, recent reports suggest that India’s human rights situation is deteriorating rapidly, with increasing violence and oppression against minorities, activists, and journalists. The recent report by Arete Academy Geneva highlights India’s ongoing atrocities and violations of human rights, drawing attention to significant concern for India’s democratic and social fabric.

One of the most significant issues raised in the report is the rising number of hate crimes and violence against religious minorities, particularly Muslims, in the country. According to data from IndiaSpend, over 100 incidents of violence against Muslims in 2020, including lynchings, mob attacks, and forced conversions. The report also highlights the government’s complicity in such acts of violence, citing examples of government officials making inflammatory statements against Muslims, creating an environment of fear and hatred.

India has been witnessing a steady decline in press freedom, ranking 142nd out of 180 countries in the 2021 World Press Freedom Index by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The report points out that journalists in India are being arrested, intimidated, and harassed. There is little accountability for such actions. The government has been accused of using laws like the sedition law and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) to silence dissenting voices, including activists and academics. The UAPA law allows the government to declare an individual a terrorist without trial. It has been criticized for being misused to silence dissent.

The same report highlights the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir, a region subject to a long-standing dispute between India and Pakistan. In August 2019, the Indian government revoked the region’s special status, leading to a lockdown and a communication blackout in the region. Amnesty International has reported arbitrary detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings of civilians by Indian security forces in the region. Additionally, the government has imposed restrictions on the internet and communication services, limiting access to information and affecting the region’s economy and daily life. The report raises concerns over the lack of transparency and accountability in the government’s actions and its impact on the human rights of the people in the region.

There are also serious concerns over the increasing curtailment of freedom of expression and press freedom in India. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), India is ranked 142nd out of 180 countries in its 2021 World Press Freedom Index, indicating a steady decline in press freedom. Journalists are being arrested, intimidated, and harassed, with little accountability for such actions. Additionally, the government has been accused of using the sedition law and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) to silence dissenting voices, including activists and academics.

Another facet of the degrading human rights situation is the alarming rise of sexual violence against women in India, with a rape reported every 15 minutes. Despite laws and initiatives to combat sexual violence, the implementation and enforcement of such laws remain weak, leading to a culture of impunity for perpetrators. The situation for human rights defenders in India is also worsening, with many facing harassment, arrest, and violence for their work. The activists are routinely arrested under false charges, facing physical assault, and even being killed for their work.

The Arete Academy Geneva report paints a worrying picture of India’s human rights situation, indicating a consistent pattern of violations and repression. India’s democracy and social fabric are at stake, and urgent action is required to address these concerns. The government must take immediate steps to protect human rights, safeguard freedoms, and hold perpetrators accountable. International bodies and the global community must also play their role in raising awareness and putting pressure on the Indian government to uphold its human rights obligations. It is essential to act now before the situation deteriorates further and the human cost becomes irreparable.

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