Indian farmers father for a protest

Amnesty tells Australian government to ‘speak out’ about India

The Indian government must stop its escalating crackdown on protesters, farming leaders and journalists, amid ongoing nationwide demonstrations against three recently introduced farm laws.

Amnesty International is concerned that rather than investigating reports of violence against protesters and bringing suspected perpetrators to justice, the authorities have resorted to hindering access to protest sites, shutting down the internet, censoring social media using draconian laws against protesters who have been peacefully voicing their opposition to the new laws for several months now. In short, Indian authorities are cracking down on human rights rather than upholding and protecting them.

Amnesty International Australia is concerned that despite being in a position to speak out due to Australia’s relationship with India, it is mostly silent on India’s human rights record. Australia and India have a strong relationship, particularly through the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. Human rights must be at the centre of such partnerships.

Amnesty International Australia urges Foreign Minister Marise Payne to speak out about the worsening human rights situation in India. Amnesty International Australia has also written to the Minister including recommendations regarding the upcoming session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.