Remembering International Human Rights Day – OpEd
Every year, December 10th marks International Human Rights Day, a global reminder of the importance of safeguarding human dignity, equality, and the protection of fundamental freedoms. While human rights progress has been made across the world, countries like India face significant challenges, especially under the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government. India’s human rights record has come under increasing scrutiny due to rising religious intolerance, restrictions on freedom of expression, and the targeting of marginalized communities, journalists, and activists.
India, the world’s largest democracy, has long been a champion of human rights on the global stage. However, in recent years, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government’s policies, there has been a worrying shift. According to the Human Rights Watch (HRW) 2024 report, India’s human rights situation is deteriorating, with several concerning trends emerging in terms of religious freedoms, freedom of expression, and the treatment of minorities.
India’s rankings in international indices paint a troubling picture. The country ranks 109th in the Human Freedom Index, which measures the extent of individual liberty and personal freedom. It fares even worse in the World Press Freedom Index, where it stands at a dismal 161st position, reflecting increasing restrictions on freedom of expression, particularly in the media. This erosion of freedom is especially felt by religious minorities, who face systemic discrimination and violence.
Religious minorities, especially Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Dalits, have become targets of escalating violence and discrimination. The rise of the Hindutva ideology, promoted by the BJP and its ideological affiliate, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has further emboldened extremist elements within society. This has resulted in increased incidents of mob violence, discriminatory laws, and state-sponsored harassment against these communities. The Minority Rights Index points to the systemic marginalization of religious minorities, with attacks on places of worship and a growing atmosphere of intolerance.
In particular, Christians have faced heightened hostility in recent years. In 2023, violence against Christian communities escalated, with churches being attacked, and religious minorities subjected to harassment under anti-conversion laws. The government’s stance has emboldened hardline Hindu groups, leading to intimidation and fabricated charges against Christians, designed to incite fear and suppress religious freedom.
Furthermore, the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) have exacerbated tensions, particularly among the Muslim population. These policies have been widely criticized for discriminating against Muslims and other minorities, undermining the country’s secular foundations and drawing global condemnation.
Freedom of expression, a cornerstone of any democratic society, has also come under siege. Journalists and activists who dare to challenge the government’s policies are often subjected to harassment, imprisonment, and violence. India’s rank in the World Press Freedom Index reflects these concerns, as the media increasingly faces governmental pressure to toe the official line.
The Human Rights Watch 2024 report highlights that peaceful assembly and free speech have been heavily restricted, with political dissidents facing persecution. Online platforms have also been targeted, with critics and journalists being subjected to online abuse and intimidation. The case of a Wall Street Journal reporter, who faced online harassment after questioning Prime Minister Modi about the treatment of religious minorities, was condemned by the White House as a violation of press freedom.
Journalists are increasingly finding themselves at risk of prosecution under draconian laws such as sedition and anti-terrorism legislation. Many have been arrested on fabricated charges, adding to the growing climate of fear among independent media in the country.
Another alarming issue is the high rate of gender-based violence in India. According to the 2023 National Crime Records Bureau data, one woman is raped every 16 minutes in the country, with Delhi averaging four rape cases per day. Despite the high incidence of sexual violence, there is a persistent failure to adequately address the problem through legal reforms or stronger law enforcement. India has yet to ratify the International Labour Organization’s Violence and Harassment Convention (C190), which could help tackle sexual harassment in the workplace, further exposing the government’s failure to protect its citizens from abuse.
The situation is equally dire for those caught in counter-insurgency operations. The Indian government has been accused of severe human rights abuses against Naxalites, with over 50 alleged extrajudicial killings reported between 2022 and 2023. These actions have sparked concern about the state’s use of violence to suppress dissent and maintain control.
India’s democratic and secular values are under increasing threat. The Modi government’s promotion of an exclusionary form of nationalism, built around the concept of Hindutva, has undermined the principles of equality and justice. The rise of religious and ethnic divisions has not only harmed India’s internal cohesion but has also tarnished its international image. The secular democracy that India once stood for is increasingly at risk of being replaced by an authoritarian regime focused on religious and cultural majoritarianism.
With human rights violations by the state, rising hate crimes, and increasing state complicity in religious violence, India’s civil society and judiciary must step up. Upholding legal accountability and social responsibility is crucial to restoring communal harmony and ensuring that India remains a pluralistic society. India’s democratic institutions must serve as the bulwark against further erosion of rights and freedoms, protecting the country’s secular identity before irreversible damage is done.
As the world observes International Human Rights Day, it is crucial to remember that the battle for human rights is ongoing, and the global community must continue to hold governments accountable for the protection of fundamental freedoms. India, as one of the world’s largest democracies, must confront these challenges head-on to honor its commitment to human rights and safeguard its diverse and vibrant society.
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