Rights First: Exploring the Importance of Human Rights in the Modi-Biden Summit

India/US: Put Rights at Center of Modi-Biden Summit

Indian Premier’s Visit an Opportunity to Spotlight Worsening Trends

June 22, 2023 | New York Times

As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit Washington, DC, on June 22, 2023, human rights organizations are urging President Joe Biden and congressional leaders to prioritize discussions on human rights issues during their meetings. Human Rights Watch has emphasized that it is crucial for both leaders to address the deteriorating human rights situation in both India and the United States, and to commit to finding solutions to the challenges faced by marginalized communities.

Human Rights Concerns in India

The Human Rights Watch World Report 2023 highlights major human rights concerns in India. Under Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, respect for civil and political rights has significantly deteriorated, particularly for groups facing persecution based on their caste, religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs, as well as civil society advocates, journalists, and human rights defenders critical of the government.

It is important for President Biden and other US leaders to urge Prime Minister Modi to take robust action against discriminatory policies and practices targeting minorities and marginalized groups. Communal violence by members and supporters of the BJP and its affiliates, particularly targeted at Christian and Muslim minorities, should be condemned. The Modi government should also end its crackdown on civil society groups, politically motivated prosecutions and raids on human rights activists and critics, and the pervasive use of internet shutdowns that disproportionately harm marginalized communities and undermine the government’s “Digital India” mission.

Human Rights Concerns in the United States

The Human Rights Watch World Report 2023 also highlights human rights concerns in the United States. Several states have recently implemented restrictive voting rights laws, limitations on peaceful protests, and barriers to access reproductive health services. There have been instances of censorship of educational materials and journalism as well. The US government has not taken sufficient measures to address systemic racism within its institutions or implement fair and equitable criminal justice and immigration reforms.

In their discussions with Prime Minister Modi, President Biden and congressional leaders should acknowledge these challenges and commit to addressing them. They should emphasize the importance of dismantling systemic barriers to equality and systemic change, including racism, racial or caste-based supremacy, xenophobia, and economic inequality.

Editorial: The Importance of Exploring Equality and Human Rights

The Modi-Biden Summit presents an opportunity for the leaders of the world’s two largest democracies to demonstrate their commitment to fundamental rights and liberties. In a rapidly changing world, where authoritarian tendencies are on the rise and marginalized communities continue to face discrimination, it is essential that leaders prioritize discussions on equality and human rights.

India, as the world’s largest democracy, has a responsibility to uphold the principles of human rights and ensure that the rights of all its citizens are protected. The Modi government must address the concerns raised by human rights organizations and take concrete steps to protect the rights of marginalized communities, safeguard freedom of expression and association, and promote inclusive policies.

Similarly, the United States, long seen as a champion of democracy and human rights, must address its own challenges. It is imperative that the US government takes comprehensive measures to dismantle systemic racism, protect voting rights, and ensure equitable access to justice and opportunities for all its citizens.

Advice: Bold Leadership Needed for Meaningful Change

The Modi-Biden Summit provides an opportunity for bold leadership and meaningful change. Prime Minister Modi and President Biden must use this platform to demonstrate their commitment to equality and human rights. They must engage in a frank and direct conversation about the human rights challenges in both countries, acknowledging the need for systemic reforms.

Leadership is not just about making promises, but about taking concrete actions. Prime Minister Modi should commit to taking robust action against discriminatory policies and practices, as well as addressing the concerns raised by human rights organizations. President Biden, on the other hand, should prioritize addressing systemic racism, protecting voting rights, and implementing equitable criminal justice and immigration reforms.

Both leaders should recognize that their countries are not immune to human rights challenges and that addressing them requires a collective effort. They should reaffirm their commitment to fundamental rights and liberties and work together towards creating inclusive societies that respect and protect the rights of all individuals.

It is the responsibility of the international community to hold governments accountable for their human rights obligations. Civil society organizations, activists, and journalists play a crucial role in highlighting the challenges and advocating for change. It is important for the United States and India to engage with these voices and respond to their concerns.

The Modi-Biden Summit has the potential to be a turning point in the pursuit of equality and human rights in both India and the United States. Both leaders must seize this opportunity and demonstrate their commitment to a future where rights are at the center of all policies and practices.

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