India’s deteriorating human rights situation is causing concern to the United Nations. These communities reportedly suffer increasing discrimination UN Urges coupled with violence that endangers both their safety and protection under fundamental rights.
Muslims and Christians UN Urges
The UN expressed worries over the security of Muslims and Christians who have been persecuted through mob lynching, social boycotts, or institutionalized biases against them by law enforcement agencies, which reflect growing intolerance towards these groups as well as hate crimes based on religion or belief systems involved. There are many cases where state machinery has failed to protect or provide justice to victims from the Muslim community targeted due to their faith. At the same time, the Christian community also faces the same fate but less frequently.
Lower castes UN Urges
Despite the enactment of protective legislation against caste-based discrimination, society still treats Dalits as untouchables among lower caste people, making them the most vulnerable section even after many years of independence. The panel recommended that the government ensure more effective implementation of anti-discriminatory laws to guarantee equal treatment for all citizens in courts, regardless of their social status.
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) UN Urges
In particular, it noted serious abuses arising out of excessive use of force by armed forces personnel during operations against militants, often causing the deaths of innocent persons besides indiscriminate arrests sans trial leading to custodial disappearances; torture methods used include electric shocks applied anuses genitals forcing prisoners to drink filthy water mixed with urine feces till unconscious, etc. .women raped/molested illegally detained without charges ever being filed …
Assam & Manipur states UN Urges
Concerns have also arisen about implementing these laws in the North Eastern states, where residents have consistently demanded greater autonomy from the central government. New Delhi has reacted negatively to these demands, viewing them as secessionist. In response, the government has deployed military forces and enacted draconian legislation such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) of 1958. This act allows soldiers to shoot and kill suspects, arrest without a warrant, and search premises at night—measures that some human rights advocates worldwide consider inhumane.
Repeal and Reform
The UN panel made several recommendations to the Indian authorities about these issues:Abolish discriminatory legislation
.Training of civil servants and law enforcement officials
Secondly, the committee emphasized the training programs designed for civilians, police officers, judges, lawyers, and command unity, at least that can understand their obligations under international human rights treaties, including ICCPR, ICESR, CERDCAT, etc.
Conformity with global norms regarding anti-terrorism measures
Thirdly, it advised India to ensure its counterterrorism legislation fully complies with universally recognized principles on state responsibility, protecting citizens’ lives and safety whenever there is a genuine threat. However, it must also ensure a narrow application scope allowing fair hearing procedures before competent, independent, impartial tribunals…
Addressing Widespread Abuses
Finally, given the frequent massive violations occurring during internal conflicts and unrest in affected areas, the United Nations Human Rights Committee proposed setting up an institution to identify perpetrators and hold them accountable. This includes individuals, organizations, and state agencies involved in these violations.
Method for Answerability
India has received advice to develop a robust accountability system to investigate and address human rights abuses in areas like Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and Manipur. This system should be transparent and impartial to ensure that justice prevails for those whose rights have been violated.
