By Maryam Noureen Janjua

International Minority Rights Day, observed annually on December 18th, marks the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities by the United Nations in 1992. The day serves as a reminder of the international community's commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of minorities. South Asia is home to a complex mosaic of cultures, languages, and religions. While minority rights have long been a contentious issue across the region, recent years have witnessed significant efforts by some nations to address the challenges faced by their marginalized communities

South Asian nations like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are making strides in improving state laws to safeguard minorities. In Pakistan, initiatives to protect the rights of Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians have included legal reforms to combat forced conversions and ensure freedom of worship. The Kartarpur Corridor and Gandhara Symposium are two instances which show Pakistan’s efforts to protect minorities rights despite the fact that the overall socio-political situation for the minorities remain dismal. On the other hand, Bangladesh, despite its challenges, has made strides in recognizing the cultural and linguistic rights of indigenous peoples in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Similarly, Sri Lanka has taken steps to address the grievances of Tamil minorities in the post-civil war era.

Amid improving the regional map of minorities’ rights, India lags behind in its efforts to protect its minorities. The rising incidents of communal violence, discriminatory policies, and suppression of dissent reflect a disturbing trend of marginalization in the world’s largest democracy. The rise of communal violence in India has raised global concerns. The 2022 United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) report documented over 2,000 incidents of communal violence in 2019 alone, leading to numerous deaths, injuries, and displacement of minorities. Such incidents have escalated under the growing influence of Hindu nationalist ideologies, which often target Muslims and Christians. A 2021 report by the Indian National Congress revealed over 200 cases of mob lynching since 2014, predominantly in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the revocation of Article 370 in 2019 has led to widespread human rights abuses against the Muslim population. A 2023 report by the International Federation of Human Rights highlighted extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on freedom of movement. The volatile situation in the region continues to fuel discontent and alienation among the local population. The violence is not limited to Muslims alone. The Christian community has faced increasing persecution, particularly in the northeastern state of Manipur. In May 2023, violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities resulted in over 50 deaths, extensive property damage, and the displacement of thousands. The Christian Kuki population bore the brunt of the violence, with churches being destroyed and communities uprooted.

A 2019 Pew Research Center study further revealed that 76% of Indian Muslims reported experiencing discrimination in their daily lives. This statistic underscores the increasing alienation of religious minorities in India, exacerbated by the rise of Hindu nationalism under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government since 2014. The suppression of dissent has become a hallmark of India’s political landscape. Laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) have been weaponized to silence activists, journalists, and members of marginalized communities. In 2021 alone, over 500 individuals were detained under the UAPA, many of whom belonged to minority communities. This crackdown on dissent raises serious concerns about the erosion of free speech and democratic freedoms in India.

India’s record on minorities bleaks the overall regional identity of South Asia. As a largest democracy and emerging middle power at global scale, South Asia’s identity on minorities’ right depends on the improvement of such rights in India. India’s secular identity, enshrined in its Constitution, demands more responsibility. The challenges faced by minorities in India extend beyond its borders. The Sikh diaspora, particularly in countries like Canada and the United States, has faced increasing threats and violence. Tensions arising from the Farmers' Protests in India have fueled incidents of targeted attacks, with over 20 cases reported in Canada alone. The transnational implications of India’s internal conflicts underscore the need for international attention and accountability.
On International Minority Rights Day, the world must reflect on the plight of minorities in South Asia. While countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are making efforts to protect their marginalized communities, India’s failure to safeguard its minorities is a matter of grave concern. The rising communal violence, systemic discrimination, and suppression of dissent threaten the secular and democratic values upon which the nation was founded. The observance of International Minority Rights Day serves as a reminder that the rights of minorities are integral to the peace, stability, and progress of any nation. South Asia, with its diverse cultural and religious heritage, must prioritize inclusivity and justice to ensure a better future for all its people.

Maryam Noureen Janjua is Undergrad student of Political Science in Women University Rawalpindi. She can be reached at [email protected]