May 19th, 2023
As the G7 Hiroshima Summit begins tomorrow, Justice For All Canada urges Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to raise the alarming human rights violations taking place against minorities and activists in India. The G7’s current approach to “addressing challenges” and “fostering cooperation” in the Indo-Pacific region will remain ineffective if it fails to confront India’s government for failing to protect the most marginalized groups and individuals.
Wrongly hailed as the ‘world's largest democracy,’ India’s government is both a G7 leader and responsible for the severe regression of human rights and constitutional protections.
“We firmly believe that Canada must not turn a blind eye to these issues and address them within the G7 framework this week,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director.
This is an egregious hypocrisy in which other G7 countries—including the US, Japan, Germany, UK, France and Italy—must join forces and demand the protection of all people in India, regardless of caste, religion, ethnicity, or political belief.
India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Narendra Modi, is responsible for distressing abuses characterized by escalating attacks on religious minorities and a tightening grip on civil society.
Religious Minorities Under Attack
The UN has called-out Modi's BJP-led government for orchestrating systematic discrimination against Muslims, Christians, Dalits and Adivasi groups. Draconian laws and politically motivated investigations frequently target activists, journalists, opposition leaders, academics, peaceful protesters, and government critics. Under the BJP, freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly are curtailed through internet shutdowns, controlling online content, and undermining privacy and freedom of expression. Anti-minority hate speech and genocide incitement committed by BJP supporters are met with impunity in India.
The Canadian government cannot afford to ignore the plight of Indian minorities, including the Indian diaspora residing in Canada, who have also faced the repercussions of this alarming repression. Recent incidents, such as the blocking of Twitter accounts of high-profile Canadians who voiced concerns about the Indian government's actions, have demonstrated the gravity of the situation. Indo-Canadian academics and activists also face harassment and threats.
Canada at the G7: An Opportunity for Human Rights
Canada's participation in the G7 Summit presents a crucial opportunity to address this troublesome reality in India directly with Narendra Modi. We call on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to publicly denounce the democratic backsliding in India and demand that the rights of all Indian citizens be upheld.
Canada has been a strong advocate for human rights globally, as exemplified by its candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council. However, true leadership requires acknowledging and condemning abuses, even when they are committed by allies.
Global summits such as G7 and G20 are significant opportunities for Canada to demonstrate our values and principles. Unfortunately, Canadians remain disappointed while waiting on the federal government to use any opportunity to break its silence over the right-wing nationalist BJP party slowly eradicating its minority populations.
Justice For All Canada stands ready to support the Canadian government in promoting human rights at the G7 Summit in Japan.
Important Facts
India’s Press Freedom Rating Falls 161 out of 180: Reporters Without Borders
Canada Should Decry Democratic Backsliding in India: Human Rights Watch Canada
UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues Protests G20 Meet In Indian-Occupied Kashmir
As the G7 Hiroshima Summit begins tomorrow, Justice For All Canada urges Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to raise the alarming human rights violations taking place against minorities and activists in India. The G7’s current approach to “addressing challenges” and “fostering cooperation” in the Indo-Pacific region will remain ineffective if it fails to confront India’s government for failing to protect the most marginalized groups and individuals.
Wrongly hailed as the ‘world's largest democracy,’ India’s government is both a G7 leader and responsible for the severe regression of human rights and constitutional protections.
“We firmly believe that Canada must not turn a blind eye to these issues and address them within the G7 framework this week,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director.
This is an egregious hypocrisy in which other G7 countries—including the US, Japan, Germany, UK, France and Italy—must join forces and demand the protection of all people in India, regardless of caste, religion, ethnicity, or political belief.
India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Narendra Modi, is responsible for distressing abuses characterized by escalating attacks on religious minorities and a tightening grip on civil society.
Religious Minorities Under Attack
The UN has called-out Modi's BJP-led government for orchestrating systematic discrimination against Muslims, Christians, Dalits and Adivasi groups. Draconian laws and politically motivated investigations frequently target activists, journalists, opposition leaders, academics, peaceful protesters, and government critics. Under the BJP, freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly are curtailed through internet shutdowns, controlling online content, and undermining privacy and freedom of expression. Anti-minority hate speech and genocide incitement committed by BJP supporters are met with impunity in India.
The Canadian government cannot afford to ignore the plight of Indian minorities, including the Indian diaspora residing in Canada, who have also faced the repercussions of this alarming repression. Recent incidents, such as the blocking of Twitter accounts of high-profile Canadians who voiced concerns about the Indian government's actions, have demonstrated the gravity of the situation. Indo-Canadian academics and activists also face harassment and threats.
Canada at the G7: An Opportunity for Human Rights
Canada's participation in the G7 Summit presents a crucial opportunity to address this troublesome reality in India directly with Narendra Modi. We call on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to publicly denounce the democratic backsliding in India and demand that the rights of all Indian citizens be upheld.
Canada has been a strong advocate for human rights globally, as exemplified by its candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council. However, true leadership requires acknowledging and condemning abuses, even when they are committed by allies.
Global summits such as G7 and G20 are significant opportunities for Canada to demonstrate our values and principles. Unfortunately, Canadians remain disappointed while waiting on the federal government to use any opportunity to break its silence over the right-wing nationalist BJP party slowly eradicating its minority populations.
Justice For All Canada stands ready to support the Canadian government in promoting human rights at the G7 Summit in Japan.
Important Facts
India’s Press Freedom Rating Falls 161 out of 180: Reporters Without Borders
Canada Should Decry Democratic Backsliding in India: Human Rights Watch Canada
UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues Protests G20 Meet In Indian-Occupied Kashmir