This report by the US Department of State finds many significant human rights issues continue to exist in India and that despite government efforts to address abuses, a lack of accountability for official misconduct persisted at all levels of government which contributes to widespread impunity. It also finds that there is widespread corruption in the government among, media censorship issues, violations of religious freedom and violence and discrimination towards minorities.
Topics: Respect for the integrity of the person- including freedom from arbitrary deprivation of life, disappearance, torture, arbitrary detention, denial of fair public trial, abuses in internal conflict, arbitrary interference with privacy, respect for civil liberties such as freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of religion, freedom of movement, status and treatment of internally displaced persons, protection of refugees, stateless persons, freedom to participate in the political process, corruption and lack of transparency in government, governmental attitude regarding international investigations of alleged abuses of human rights, discrimination, societal abuses and trafficking in persons, persons with disabilities, members of minority groups, worker rights, forced or compulsory labour, child labour, employment discrimination
Terms: unlawful and arbitrary killings, torture, excessive use of force, arbitrary arrest, arbitrary detention, political prisoners, violation of free expression, violation of free press, arrest and intimidation of journalists, censorship, site blocking, violations of political rights, corruption, failure to investigate, failure of accountability, denial of free religion, discrimination, forced labor, enforced disappearances, denial of due process, denial of right to a fair trial
The government continued to decline access by the United Nations to Jammu and Kashmir and limit access to the northeastern states and Maoist-controlled areas. In an August statement, UN human rights experts called on the government “to take urgent action to address the alarming human rights situation in the territory.” The UN special rapporteurs noted that since August 2019, “the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir has been in free fall,” and they were “particularly concerned that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many protesters are still in detention and internet restrictions remain in place.” The group appealed to the government “to schedule pending visits as a matter of urgency, particularly of the experts dealing with torture and disappearances.”
December 2020
Originally published
Photo creditDownload (PDF)Download Here