Geneva: The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has expressed concern over restrictions on civic space and the discriminatory treatment towards minorities, especially Muslims, and hate speech in India on the occasion of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Addressing the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Volker Turk said, ” I am, however, concerned by increasing restrictions on the civic space – with human rights defenders, journalists and perceived critics targeted – as well as by hate speech and discrimination against minorities, especially Muslims.”
Highlighting the significance of maintaining an open and inclusive environment, especially during the pre-electoral phase, Turk underscored the importance of ensuring meaningful participation for all segments of society.
While acknowledging India’s secular and democratic ethos and its rich diversity, Turk emphasized the need for safeguarding fundamental rights amidst growing concerns. He welcomed the recent Supreme Court ruling that declared electoral bond schemes unconstitutional, heralding it as a step towards transparency and upholding the right to information.
The remarks by Turk drew a sharp rebuttal from the Indian government, labeling them as “unwarranted” and cautioning against allowing propaganda to influence judgment.
He expressed concern over escalating restrictions on civic space, including the targeting of human rights defenders, journalists, and perceived critics, along with instances of hate speech and discrimination against minorities, particularly Muslims.
While acknowledging India’s secular and democratic ethos and its rich diversity, Turk emphasized the need for safeguarding fundamental rights amidst growing concerns. He welcomed the recent Supreme Court ruling that declared electoral bond schemes unconstitutional, heralding it as a step towards transparency and upholding the right to information.
Responding to the comments of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Arindam Bagchi, rebuffed Turk’s observations, terming them “unwarranted,” and asserted that Turk’s comments did not accurately reflect the reality of India’s democratic fabric.
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