In recent times, online platforms have become spaces for disseminating information, building social narratives and expressing political opinions. These online spaces have also become rustable to the spread of conspiracy theories, hateful narratives and political polarization. As is apparent in South Asia and around the world, there are real world consequences to online discourses. Unsafe...
On 8th May 2021, in the midst of the COVID pandemic, India and the European Union meet virtually to hold their 16th Summit, in which they will take steps to negotiate a free trade agreement. The diplomatic summit is closed to civil society and stakeholders whose future the Summit will influence in the short- and long-term. To understand how these two...
As seen recently in the calls for genocide against India’s Muslims at a “Religious Summit” in Haridwar by leaders of the Hindu nationalist movement, the situation in India is fast deteriorating. As India’s political leadership remains silent and violence escalates, India is on the brink of genocide. Held on the 20th anniversary of the horrific communal...
In 2021, the European Parliament recommended the EU’s External Action Service “work to eliminate and deter hate speech that incites discrimination or violence” in India, as it “leads to a toxic environment where intolerance and violence against religious minorities can occur with impunity.” As online content transcends borders, hate speech generated in India has a...
On 17 June 2022, the EU relaunched negotiations with India for a Free Trade Agreement after a nine-year hiatus. Yet, India’s continued economic ties with Russia and its increased Hindunationalism domestically are cause for concern. Ahead of the next round of FTA negotiations in October, this briefing seeks to foster an in-depth understanding of India’s...
🎟 Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/delhi-riots-case-the-unknown-faces-behind-bars-under-uapa-tickets-427052253787 Did you miss the event? Read the press release here: https://thelondonstory.org/2022/10/04/framed-for-terrorism-for-defending-constitutional-rights-indian-diaspora-commemorates-two-years-since-the-arrest-of-student-protestors/ The London Story, alongside The World Is Watching India team, invites you to a film screening and discussion to mark two years of unjust incarceration of 18 students and activists in India who were charged with terrorism for protesting against...
To mark two years since anti-CAA protestors were incarcerated, we join diaspora organisations across the world in hosting a film screening and discussion with: Family members of the incarcerated Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mark Heywood, the Daily Maverick South Africa Delphine Reculeau, OMCT Did you miss the event? Read news...
Between January 2017-September 2022, there were over 1436 verified instances of hate crimes in India. Over 86% of victims are Muslims, although violence against Christians has also risen by 81% between 2020 and 2021. Communal violence, physical assaults and lynchings have surged especially since congregations led by Hindu extremist leaders in December 2021, where attendees...
There is increasing evidence that networks in India use social media platforms to manipulate public discourse, harass and intimidate independent voices. Use of social media and sophisticated technology is creating a partisan information environment that favours the ruling party, the far-right Hindu nationalist BJP. In fact, India’s long-standing home minister and architect of the BJP’s...
The recent “Delhi Declaration” by the UN Security Council calls for zero tolerance towards terrorism. Yet, India’s own counter-terrorism legislation, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), has made a name for itself in being used against student protestors and human rights defenders. This briefing provides a space to meet and engage with Indian human rights...
On January 26, India celebrates Republic Day, in honour of its Constitution that promises a secular republic governed by fundamental rights. Yet, at 75 years, the secular and multi-ethnic fabric its founding fathers envisaged is eroding as the executive restricts essential constitutional rights, including to religious freedom and freedom of speech. This briefing considers the...
On March 28, 15:00, join us at the Humanity Hub for a lecture and Q&A with Babloo Loitongbam, a human rights defender from India. Babloo is the Director of Human Rights Alert and has been fighting to defend human rights in Manipur, a conflict zone in the north east of India, for 30 years now....
