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Bright future undermined if rights issues are not addressed: lawmaker
The Asia Advocacy Director of Human Rights Watch, John Sifton, took it up a notch by saying that President Joe Biden must speak directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Chris Smith Member of Congress Co-Chair, TLHRC / Screengrab from official video
There is real risk that tensions inherent in diverse societies could harden into dangerous conflicts and undermine India’s bright future if human rights abuses are not addressed, says Congressman George McGovern, co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the United States Congress, citing the recent clashes in Manipur as one example.
“Congress must do its part to urge the Indian government to correct course and reconsider policies and laws, including counterterrorism laws that are inconsistent with the obligations India has acquired through its ratification of key human rights treaties” he added. The sentiments of the law maker were echoed by his colleagues participating in the Commission’s proceedings on Mar. 21 that also witnessed testimonies from outside, including advocacy groups.
“This coming April 19th, India will begin multi-phase general elections that will determine the country's political direction for the next five years. Prime Minister Modi is seeking a third term. I'm one of those people who thinks that friends should tell each other hard truths, and India is a friend and it is truly important to the U.S. that India prosper”, McGovern observed.
Another member of Congress, Chris Smith, maintained that the United States is only enabling the abuses by its silence; and that it would only be appropriate to mention India as a “Huge particular” country of concern in the realm of human rights. “… when we name countries on CPC (Countries of Particular Concern) and exclude egregious violators like India, what does that say to the other countries that are on the list? They look at us as hypocrites, and that's not good either”, Smith maintained.
The Asia Advocacy Director of Human Rights Watch, John Sifton, took it up a notch by saying that President Joe Biden must speak directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the concerns as it is ultimately in the hands of the Indian Prime Minister who has the power to instruct the government and party about the “toxic rhetoric” and “abusive laws and policies” and “drop this abusive form” of governance.
“Members of Congress and President Biden need to acknowledge the scope and gravity of this situation. President Biden's embrace of Modi and reluctance to criticize the government for this situation will be understood by India to mean that the worsening conduct will have no consequences, and that cannot be the situation”, Sifton said.
One other panellist, Carolyn Nash of Amnesty International USA, said that Washington has recognised the transnational repression by the government of India in Canada as well as attempts in the United States. “My co-panellist and I can provide documentation of the government’s intensifying efforts to weaponize and codify into law intolerance and hate”, the Asia Advocacy Director remarked.
Established in 2008 the Tom Lantos Commission is charged with promoting, defending and advocating for international human rights and actively engages with the House, Senate and Executive branches of the American government, besides national and international civil society groups.
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