Thread by @ThePollLady

1. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta Presented India’s defence during review at UN Human Rights Council yesterday. He said

“India appreciates role of human rights defenders, journalists & activists but activities of individuals & Groups should be in conformity with law of the land”

2. He further explained that

“Actions were taken against some organisations due to their illegal practices including malafide re-routing of money and wilful and continuing violations of extant legal provisions, foreign exchange management rules and tax law of India,”

3. Suggestions for India by various countries at UPR at HRC.

Luxembourg :

“Immediately release all human rights defenders”

Greece :

“Ensure full implementation of freedom of religion”

4. Germany

“Germany remains concerned about the rights of marginalised groups, especially religious minorities as well as women and girls.”

Germany also said that the “Foreign Contribution Regulation Act” should not be unduly restricted.

5. German representative also called upon India to strengthen the National Human Rights Commission and said the discrimination against Dalits should end.

6. Ireland recommended that the “Foreign Contribution Regulation Act” be applied in a transparent manner and that Indian States should “repeal” anti-conversion laws.

7. Italy asked India to enable civil society organisations and freedom of expression and freedom of religion. “Take concrete measures to end violence against them (minorities),”

8. Lithuania called upon India to end restrictions on freedom of expression and civil society.

9. Belgium who had already submitted advance questions raised the issue of civil liberties in India and called for an end to restrictions on freedom of religion.

10. United States who has also submitted advance questions gave suggestion.

“We recommend India to reduce broad application of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and similar laws against human rights activists, journalists and religious minorities,"

11. US continued

"Despite legal protections, discrimination and violence based on gender and religious affiliation persist. The application of anti-terror legislation has led to prolonged detentions of human rights defenders and activists,"

12. Canada urged India to probe all acts of sexual violence, and protect freedom of religion by investigating religious violence "including against Muslims".

13. Mehta defended

"Freedom of speech & expression is not absolute in nature and is subject to reasonable restrictions in interests of India's sovereignty, integrity, security, foreign relations, public order, contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence".

14. "Imposing reasonable restrictions enables the state to regulate freedom of speech and expression where it amounts to hate speech," Mehta said.

I’m closing India’s Foreign ministry said take they will take recommendations back to New Delhi for consideration.

15. It’s funny how such reviews actually give insight into what’s really troubling the masters of foreign interference in India.

I draw conclusion that “Foreign Contribution Regulation Act”, “UAPA” are actually benefiting India the most and should be strengthened.