The All-Party Parliamentary Human Rights Group was pleased to meet with Shabnam Hashmi and Christian Solidarity Worldwide to discuss the current human rights situation in India. Shabnam is a human rights defender with more than 30 years’ experience working at the grassroots on issues related to communalism, democracy, minority rights and other issues in India.

The main points raised during the meeting:

• Under the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule, India has witnessed a significant rise in Hindu nationalism. There has been an increase in communal violence since the start of his rule, particularly against Muslim, Christians and Dalits, and restrictions on civil society are making it more difficult for activists and NGOs to highlight abuses.
• Rules governing foreign funding to NGOs have restricted the operations of major international charities in the country. About 9,000 charities have had their foreign funding licenses cancelled since a major crackdown began in April, most notably affecting global environment NGO, Greenpeace. There are proposals to make the law more stringent.
• This is coupled with media propaganda against NGOs, adding to the shrinking space for civil society and dissent.
• Since Modi’s rule began, almost 10,000 organisations have closed down.

• Modi is due to visit the UK on 12^th-14^th November. This presents an opportunity for the UK Government to raise concerns about human rights.

 

The PHRG will follow developments regarding civil society space and minority rights in India, as well as raising our concerns where possible during the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit.