Indian HRVs Against Individuals and NGOs Cooperating with UN-UNHCR

India’s crackdown on human rights defenders (HRDs) and NGOs working with the United Nations (UN) has raised serious concerns globally. The UN has pointed out the arbitrary detention of activists and the suspension of NGO licenses under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). These actions, often justified under anti-terrorism and financial laws, are seen as tools to suppress human rights work and silence critics of the government.

UN’s Concern Over India’s Human Rights Practices

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) formally raised concerns with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding the treatment of HRDs and the increasing restrictions on civil society. These concerns were documented in the UN Secretary-General’s annual report, emphasizing the negative trend of India’s crackdown on activists and organizations critical of government policies.

📌 UN raises concern over India’s repression of human rights defenders and NGOs under the FCRA.

Khurram Parvez: Arrested for Human Rights Advocacy

Khurram Parvez, a well-known HRD from Jammu and Kashmir, was arrested in November 2021 on charges of terrorism. Despite the UN’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention declaring his detention unlawful in March 2023, India continues to hold him. His case reflects the growing use of counter-terrorism laws to target human rights work.

📌 Khurram Parvez remains detained, despite the UN’s calls for his release, highlighting India’s misuse of anti-terrorism laws.

Irfan Mehraj: Targeted for Journalism

Irfan Mehraj, a journalist associated with the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS), was arrested in March 2023 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). His detention, like Parvez’s, stems from his work documenting human rights abuses. The UN has expressed concern about the targeting of journalists under these laws.

📌 Irfan Mehraj’s detention underscores the increasing danger for journalists critical of the government.

NGOs Under Threat: Suspension of FCRA Licenses

India has increasingly targeted NGOs, particularly those working on human rights, through the FCRA. The Centre for Promotion of Social Concern (CPSC) and the Centre for Social Development (CSD) are examples of organizations that have had their FCRA licenses suspended on unfounded charges. The UN has condemned these actions, seeing them as efforts to silence civil society.

📌 NGOs like CPSC and CSD face FCRA suspensions, stifling the ability of civil society to operate freely.

CSD’s Struggles: Harassment and Surveillance

CSD, led by Nobo Kishore Urikhimbam, has faced continuous harassment, including office sealing by authorities and constant surveillance. The tragic murder of Urikhimbam’s daughter and threats to his family reflect the government’s use of intimidation to silence those who challenge its policies. Despite filing complaints, the cases have not been adequately investigated.

📌 CSD has been subjected to ongoing harassment, with its offices sealed and leadership targeted.

FCRA Amendments: Stricter Controls on NGOs

The 2020 amendments to the FCRA have imposed stricter regulations on NGOs, especially those critical of the government. The UN has criticized these changes for making it more difficult for such organizations to operate, calling for a transparent, fair, and non-discriminatory licensing process.

📌 FCRA amendments create barriers for critical NGOs, disproportionately affecting those advocating for human rights.

Increasing Repression of Civil Society

The treatment of HRDs and NGOs in India reflects a growing trend of repression under the pretext of national security and financial regulation. The use of anti-terrorism laws to target human rights activists and the constant harassment of NGOs shows a deliberate effort to silence dissent and restrict civil society’s role in advocating for rights and freedoms.

📌 India’s crackdown on civil society undermines democratic freedoms and violates international human rights commitments.

UAPA and Anti-Terrorism Laws: Tools for Repression

India’s use of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has become a tool for repressing human rights work. These laws, which are meant to combat terrorism, have been increasingly applied to target activists, journalists, and organizations working on human rights. The UN has raised concerns that these laws are being misused to stifle free speech and silence critical voices.

📌 UAPA is increasingly used to target HRDs, exposing the government’s use of counter-terrorism laws to suppress opposition.

Lack of Accountability for Human Rights Violations

India’s failure to address human rights violations is a critical issue. Despite growing international concern, the Indian government has not taken meaningful steps to ensure accountability or transparency. This lack of accountability allows the government to continue its repression without consequences.

📌 India’s failure to ensure accountability for human rights violations reinforces its authoritarian approach to governance.

International Criticism and Pressure on India

The international community, including the UN and foreign governments, has condemned India’s actions against HRDs and NGOs. The UN continues to press India to restore human rights protections and reform its laws to ensure that civil society organizations can operate freely without fear of harassment or legal action.

📌 International criticism of India’s actions is intensifying, with calls for India to uphold human rights protections.

India’s Reputation at Risk

India’s reputation as a global leader in democracy is being severely undermined. Once seen as a beacon of human rights, India is now viewed as increasingly authoritarian. The international community is monitoring India’s actions closely, and continued repression risks isolating India on the global stage.

📌 India’s global standing is at risk as its treatment of HRDs and NGOs tarnishes its democratic image.

The Urgent Need for Reform

India must take immediate steps to address the growing repression of HRDs and NGOs. This includes releasing detainees held without cause, ensuring a fair judicial process, and removing restrictions on NGOs. The government must ensure that laws like the UAPA and FCRA are not used to silence peaceful dissent. Reforms are essential for India to regain its position as a democratic leader and a respected member of the international community.

📌 India must implement reforms to protect HRDs and NGOs, ensuring that laws are not used to suppress peaceful dissent.

Conclusion: India’s Path to Restoration

India stands at a critical juncture. The ongoing repression of human rights defenders and NGOs threatens its democratic values and global reputation. The UN and the international community are calling for immediate action to restore respect for human rights. If India is to maintain its position as a global leader in democracy, it must act quickly to reverse its repressive policies and uphold fundamental freedoms.

📌 India must act now to protect human rights and restore its reputation as a democracy.