New Democrats denounce human rights violations in India

The NDP critic for foreign affairs, Heather McPherson and critic for Diversity and Inclusion, Blake Desjarlais, made the following statement:

“New Democrats are deeply concerned about ongoing reports of violations of civil liberties and human rights in India.

Deteriorating human rights conditions, a growing number of anti-Muslim and Islamophobic hate crimes, and abuse towards minorities - including Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Dalits, LGBTQ community, women and Indigenous (Adivasi) peoples - are unacceptable. India’s BJP government bears responsibility for ensuring respect for human rights and civil liberties of all Indian citizens. However, it is clear the Indian government is not only ignoring this responsibility, but also defying it with impunity.

New Democrats stand with the many Canadians who have expressed their concerns about the BJP’s record and human rights violations in India. Some live in fear of threat of reprisal against themselves and their families. The Liberal government must stand in solidarity with them and protect Canadian citizens from harassment.

New Democrats are calling on the government to strongly condemn India’s discriminatory anti-minority laws, its threats of ethnic cleansing, the persecution of minorities, and the arrests of journalists and human rights activists. The government must ban entry to BJP officials from India who have called for racist and genocidal violence against Muslims and other minorities in India. Canada should reject any G-20 activities planned in Kashmir and refuse to attend while these human rights abuses continue.

Many Hindu activists who are on the ground fighting for justice for minorities in India have also suffered abuse at the hands of government authorities. Hindu Canadians, who have contributed so much to our country’s vibrant culture, must also be protected from any discrimination or violence.

We call on the Canadian government to take a stand for human rights and show solidarity with all people of India, who have a right to live freely and without persecution. “