CAP LIberté de Conscience September 2024
India is being encouraged to protect political rights in the face of violations.
CAP Liberté de Conscience has urged the government to tackle its persisting human rights abuses and uphold its obligations outlined in the International Covenant, on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) according to a written statement presented at the United Nations Human Rights Council 57th session.
The statement raises issues, in India such as using travel restrictions to suppress opposing views; spreading hate speech and discrimination during elections; and ongoing rights violations, in Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir.
Using Travel Bans, for Control Purposes
The group stated that the Indian government has often employed tactics, like confiscating passports and suspending or revoking Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) privileges to limit the work of reporters, educators, legal professionals, and defenders of rights in Jammu and Kashmir. This haphazard approach has resulted in people like Nitasha Kaul, an academic being stuck overseas without the ability to come back to their residences and professions, in India. The argument made is that these restrictions, on travel violate the freedom of movement as outlined in Article 12 of the ICCPR.
Challenges of Prejudice and Bias, in Electoral Campaigns
The statement also condemns the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, for using language that divides and discriminates against minorities in the 2024 election campaign. According to a study conducted by Human Rights Watch analysis of Prime Minister Narendra Modis speeches revealed that 110 out of 173 speeches contained remarks targeting Muslims and creating fear, among the Hindu majority community. The statement suggests that these deeds breach Indias responsibilities outlined in Article 20 of the ICCPR that prohibits the promotion of hatred based on origin or religion that could result in discrimination or hostility, towards others.
Issues Persist, in Jammu and Kashmir
The message also points out the situation, in Indian controlled Jammu and Kashmir following the government’s move to abolish the regions status in 2019 which has led to a limitation of freedoms for the residents there.The message references a report by Human Rights Watch that has shed light on incidents of arrests and unlawful killings well as other serious violations carried out by Indian security forces despite a decrease, in political disturbances. Journalists and activists fighting for rights, in the area are experiencing oppression. They are being detained under regulations such, as the Public Safety Act (PSAs) and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UA PAs).
The Written statement suggests a variety of suggestions, for the authorities.
Stop implementing travel bans to control opposition and guarantee openness and responsibility in the procedures.
We should speak out against hate speech and discriminatory language. Give the Election Commission the authority to enforce rules of behavior and hold those answerable, for their actions.
Let’s bring back the freedoms, in Jammu and Kashmir by freeing those detained under the PSA and UAPA laws and allowing access, for human rights observers and the media to ensure transparency and accountability.
The declaration urges the United Nations Human Rights Council to oversee the human rights conditions, in India and explore the possibility of applying sanctions and other forms of accountability against individuals and organizations for human rights abuses It also encourages global support for those, in India facing systematic discrimination and abuse.
