OHCHR Flags Alarming Rise in Hate Speech Against Indian Muslims Under BJP Regime

The United Nations human rights body, OHCHR’s Complaints Procedure Branch, has issued an official communication (AL IND 5/2024) to India, highlighting a significant increase in hate speech, violence, and discrimination against Muslims since the BJP came to power in 2014. The document points to escalating communal tensions, exacerbated during the 2024 election campaign, with inflammatory rhetoric and targeted actions against minorities dominating the political discourse.

Reports from the OHCHR outline a disturbing trend of hate crimes, including vigilante attacks, targeted killings, harassment, home demolitions, and arbitrary detentions. In 2023 alone, over 255 attacks targeting Muslim individuals and communities were documented. The watchdog also noted that 76% of speeches by BJP leaders during the election campaign demonized Muslims, with inflammatory statements such as “vote jihad” and references to Muslims as “infiltrators” or a “jihadi vote bank.”

The lack of accountability by Indian authorities is alarming, with only 18 out of 78 communications from the UN receiving public responses. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, hate crimes against Muslims have risen by over 50%, often linked to rhetoric from political leaders.

Additionally, the report highlights targeted demolitions of Muslim homes, such as the June 2024 razing of 11 homes in Madhya Pradesh on accusations of beef possession. Arbitrary detentions of over 100 human rights defenders and activists under controversial laws have further worsened the human rights climate.

The OHCHR urged Muslim countries and the international community to collectively address these issues. They called for independent monitoring mechanisms, resolutions condemning the violations, and robust support for Indian civil society organizations working to protect minority rights.