INDIA SLAMMED FOR CRACKDOWN ON HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS
A coalition of international human rights organizations has condemned India’s authorities for their systematic crackdown on human rights defenders, activists, and non-profit organizations under the pretext of combating terrorism financing.
A Thinly Veiled Attempt to Stifle Dissent
The move, which has been criticized as a thinly veiled attempt to stifle dissent and freedom of expression, has come under fire from Amnesty International, Charity & Security Network, and Human Rights Watch. The groups have called on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global watchdog that sets standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, to take action against India’s government.
Draconian Laws Used Against Human Rights Organizations
India has been using draconian laws such as:
- Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA): Over 20,600 non-profit organizations’ licenses have been canceled since 2010, blocking their access to foreign funding.
- Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA): Used against human rights defenders and activists, including student activists who organized protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in 2020. The law has been misused to detain several individuals without trial or charge.
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA): Used to target non-profit organizations by freezing their bank accounts and burdening them with stringent bail conditions.
Global Condemnation
India’s actions have been widely condemned by international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the United Nations. The country’s government has been accused of using its laws to silence critics and suppress dissenting voices.
Call to Action
The coalition has urged the FATF to ensure that its recommendations are implemented in a way that respects human rights and freedoms. They have also called on the Indian government to repeal laws such as UAPA and PMLA, which they say are being used to stifle dissent.
What’s Next?
The FATF is set to review India’s compliance with its recommendations in November 2023. The outcome of this review will be a critical test of India’s commitment to upholding human rights and freedoms.