UN report slams govt, urges quick and effective measures

Urging India to take quick and effective measures to protect members of religious minorities, a UN report by Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion and belief, Asma Jehangir, has slammed the government for the pervasive climate of fear and intolerance perpetuated by religious mobs.

"Organised groups claiming adherence to religious ideologies have unleashed an all-pervasive fear of mob violence. Furthermore, concerns have been raised with regard to the social, economic and educational status of minority communities," the report said.

The report, which will be discussed in the UN Human Rights Council on March 10, 2009, said there is a "real risk that communal violence might happen again unless political exploitation of communal distinctions is effectively prevented and advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence is adequately addressed."

The Special Rapporteur further noted that violence against Christians in Orissa was taken place with "advance preparation and planning".

"Although a Maoist leader had claimed responsibility and the Christian leadership had condemned the killings, organized mobs subsequently attacked Christians in Dalit and tribal communities," the report said, adding "Around 20,000 people were living in relief camps and more than 40,000 people hiding in forests and others places."

The Special Rapporteur was profoundly alarmed by the humanitarian situation in relief camps where access to food, safe drinking water, medical care, proper sanitary arrangements and adequate clothing were reportedly lacking.

Furthermore, the laws and bills on religious conversion in several Indian states should be reconsidered since they raise serious human rights concerns, the report said.

Asma Jahangir who travelled in March last year to different states in India said, she was "deeply concerned that laws and bills on religious conversion in several Indian states are being used to vilify Christians and Muslims. Such laws or even draft legislation have had adverse consequences for religious minorities and have reportedly fostered mob violence against them."

"There is a risk that "Freedom of Religion Acts" may become a tool in the hands of those who wish to use religion for vested interests or to persecute individuals on the ground of their religion or belief."

The Special Rapporteur appealed to the Indian authorities to step up efforts to prevent communal violence and include measures that can build peace and equal justice in the society.