Biden and Modi Summit: Tackling the Urgent Human Rights Crisis

Amnesty International Urges Human Rights Discussion at Biden–Modi Summit

Introduction

Amidst the anticipation of the state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States and his meeting with President Joe Biden, Amnesty International has called for a focused dialogue on the pressing human rights concerns in both countries. In a statement ahead of the summit, Amnesty International highlighted the deteriorating human rights situation in India, including violence against religious minorities, restrictions on civil society, and the criminalization of dissent. Concurrently, the organization pointed out the backsliding on reproductive rights and the rise in anti-LGBTQI+ attacks in the United States. Both leaders face a crucial test of their commitment to human rights as they navigate the India-US alliance.

The Need for Meaningful Discussions

Amanda Klasing, National Director of Government Relations and Advocacy at Amnesty International USA, emphasized the significance of engaging in meaningful discussions about human rights failures. Klasing asserted that human rights concerns are not peripheral issues but essential determinants of governance, inclusivity, and justice. The India-US alliance will be evaluated based on how Prime Minister Modi and President Biden address these concerns during their summit.

India’s Human Rights Failures

Amnesty International has documented various human rights abuses in India, including the government’s curtailment of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, resulting in constraints on civil society. Individuals such as human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, political opponents, peaceful protesters, academics, and students face arbitrary arrests, detention, unjust prosecutions, harassment, and intimidation. The government’s financial and investigative agencies have been weaponized to target critical voices, including media organizations and non-governmental organizations.

Aakar Patel, Chair of the Board at Amnesty International India, highlighted the need for President Biden to advocate for the end of government abuse targeting civil society and free speech in India. Patel also emphasized the importance of addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) discriminatory policies against religious minorities, particularly through the criminalization of inter-faith marriages and punitive demolitions of Muslim-owned properties.

International Recognition of India’s Human Rights Violations

The targeting of religious minorities in India has been widely documented, including by the US State Department. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommended, for the fourth consecutive year, that India be added to a list of countries perpetuating systemic and egregious violations of the right to freedom of religion. The USCIRF report highlighted the worsening conditions for religious minorities in India throughout 2022. Amanda Klasing urged President Biden to acknowledge the evidence provided by the State Department and emphasize his administration’s concern over the growing intolerance and violence. Klasing called on President Biden to push Prime Minister Modi to address the vitriolic language and to ensure the investigation and prosecution of crimes against religious groups.

Human Rights Challenges in the United States

Prime Minister Modi‘s visit to the United States takes place at a time when the country faces its own challenges regarding human rights. Under President Biden, there has been a significant setback in access to abortion, with several states implementing total or near-total bans on abortion following a Supreme Court decision. President Biden has some executive authority to support abortion access but can also do more, including declaring a national health emergency to protect access in the United States.

Given India’s Supreme Court ruling extending the right to access abortion to all women regardless of marital status, Amnesty International urged Prime Minister Modi to press President Biden to safeguard abortion access to the fullest extent of his authority. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi should encourage members of Congress to pass legislation protecting access to abortion.

Global Lessons on Human Rights

Amnesty International pointed out that the United States has failed to ratify key human rights treaties protecting the rights of children, advancing gender equality, and ensuring access to healthcare. In this context, Prime Minister Modi should urge US Congressional offices to move towards ratification of conventions that the United States has already signed, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Amanda Klasing emphasized that President Biden must address threats to human rights within the United States and draw inspiration from other countries, including India, where constitutional courts have expanded human rights protections, and legislatures have ratified significant human rights treaties.

A Call for Action

Aakar Patel stressed that Prime Minister Modi and President Biden have an opportunity to support each other in advancing more rights-respecting policies at home. With global attention focused on their summit, their silence on human rights concerns would resonate deeply with vulnerable populations in both India and the United States.

Conclusion

Amnesty International’s call for a meaningful discussion on human rights during the Biden–Modi summit highlights the gravity of the human rights issues in both countries. By addressing these concerns, both leaders can demonstrate a principled approach to advancing rights-respecting policies and set an example for global leadership. It is essential for Prime Minister Modi and President Biden to use this opportunity to prioritize human rights and work towards ensuring a more inclusive and just future for their respective countries.

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