Modi’s speech on human rights at #NHRC today exposed his problematic & incorrect understanding of human rights. Most unfortunate part was that there was only one passing mention of the constitution, but references to ‘tradition’, ‘culture’ & religion could be found throughout.
1. A constant Hindutva talking point was repeated by Modi; that human rights & duties are dependent on each other. No. Rights against state always trump duties. Duties are not enforceable, rights are.
People in power failed to discharge their duties. This resulted in a deadly second wave where people died without vaccines, oxygen & hospital beds
2. He mentioned that the question of rights arises when a govt scheme’s benefits are given to some & not to others. Can Modi explain why no Muslim beneficiary of PMAYG in UP has gotten a house since 2019? Why are Muslims being denied their fair share in development schemes?
3. Modi believes that he’s increased dignity of poor by giving them toilets etc. What’s their dignity’s worth when right in India’s capital over 50 people are killed in a pogrom? Is their dignity respected when a Minister’s son mows down farmers & Minister isn’t even removed?
4. He claimed credit for the triple talaq law. He also criticised human rights-jeevis for ‘selectivity’ & bias when criticising human rights violations. Why did Modi not bring a revolutionary law that protects ALL women who were deserted by their husbands?
There are at least 20 lakh Hindu women who deserved legal protection from the social evil of wife abandonment.
5. Modi outlined his govt’s policy on paid maternity & opening up sectors where women were prohibited previously. This is also a white lie. The female labour participation rate in India had fallen to 16% in 2020 from more than 26% in 2005
6. It’s also extremely unfortunate that Modi mentioned farmers without even mentioning their human right to livelihood. Hundreds have died protesting the three farm laws, but Modi has refused to repeal the laws or even listen to farmers’ concerns
7. For us, human rights protect...HUMANS. But Modi thinks human rights mean we don’t discriminate against animals. At a time when Muslims have been maimed & lynched in name of “cow protection”, this is very insensitive. Unfortunately, this is what we’ve come to expect from PM
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