Human Rights are the basic entitlements available to every individual, irrespective of race, nationality, religion, or other status. These encompass core principles such as the right to life, liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, and freedom of opinion and expression, among others. In India, the National Human Right Commission (NHRC) defines these rights as those relating to life, liberty, equality, and dignity guaranteed by the Constitution or represented in International Covenants.
The Human Rights Watch: An Overview
The Human Rights Watch (HRW) is a non-governmental international organization, established in 1978 to inspect human rights abuses in countries that signed the Helsinki Accords. Today, it has broadened its scope to approximately 100 countries worldwide. It’s headquartered in New York City. The Helsinki Accords, a significant diplomatic agreement aimed at alleviating tension between the Soviet and Western blocs, was signed by all European countries, the US, and Canada, with a commitment to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
World Report 2023 on India’s Human Rights Situation
Recently, HRW’s 33rd edition of the World Report highlighted intensified and broad crackdown on activist groups and media in India by the authorities. The report asserted discriminatory and abusive policies were used to repress minorities by the ruling party.
Violation of Human Rights by Government
The HRW report found instances of violations, including promoting Hindu majoritarian ideology compelling authorities and supporters to engage in discriminatory and occasionally violent actions against religious minorities. It highlighted government’s discriminatory stance in cases of violence against women. Moreover, it noted the continuing restriction on free expression and peaceful assembly in J&K and Ladakh, post the removal of Article 370.
Appreciation for SC Rulings
Despite criticisms, the report appreciated the liberal steps taken by India’s Supreme Court. Some monumental rulings include halting the use of the colonial-era Sedition law, extending abortion rights to all women and broadening the definition of family.
India’s Human Rights Initiatives
In order to safeguard human rights, India has made several provisions in the Constitution including Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy. Statutory support was provided through the Protection of Human Rights Act which led to the establishment of NHRC. Additionally, India played a pivotal role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and ratified several international covenants.
Other Human Rights Reports
Several other reports have been published assessing the state of human rights in India, including the Human Rights Report on India 2021 by the US State Department, the Freedom in the World 2021 Report by the US-based Freedom House, and the Democracy Report 2022 by V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
This article provides an overall view of India’s human rights scenario as per the HRW report. However, it should be noted that while India has significant constitutional and legal provisions to protect human rights, consistent and transparent enforcement of these laws is crucial for ensuring the protection of these rights.