Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s speech on the foundation day of the National Human Rights Commission highlighted concerns about the selective application of human rights principles and the attempts to portray India negatively on the global stage. He called out the “deafening silence” of international human rights organizations on the plight of Hindus in neighboring countries, accusing them of being “mercenaries of something which is totally antithetical to human rights.”
Selective Focus on Human Rights and Double Standards
Dhankhar questioned the global silence on the “barbarity, torture, traumatised experience of boys, girls, and women” in certain neighboring countries, adding that religious places are being subjected to sacrilege. This, he argued, reveals a double standard in the application of human rights principles, where certain communities and incidents seem to garner more attention than others.
Global Silence and the “Deep State”
Dhankhar pointed to the existence of a “deep state” – a hidden power structure operating behind the scenes – that he believes is targeting rising powers like India. This deep state, he argued, manipulates human rights narratives and uses international organizations to exert power and influence over other countries.
“Naming and Shaming” as a Tool of Diplomacy
Dhankhar also criticized the use of “naming and shaming” as a tool of diplomacy, emphasizing that the practice lacks sincerity and moral authority. He challenged those who preach human rights without practicing them at home, using the example of mass shootings in “developed” countries and their indifference to such grave violations.
India’s Record on Human Rights
Dhankhar maintained that India has a strong record on human rights, particularly concerning minorities and marginalized communities. He pointed to the government’s support for over 80 crore people with free rations during the Covid pandemic, regardless of caste or creed, as evidence of its commitment to safeguarding its citizens.
Countering Negative Narratives
Despite its commitment to human rights, Dhankhar acknowledged that India is facing deliberate attempts to undermine its reputation. He described these forces as “pernicious,” seeking to “taint” the nation’s image through fabricated indexes and rankings.
He stressed the importance of “pratighat” (counter-attack) in combating these efforts. This involves actively defending India’s record, exposing the motives behind biased criticism, and demonstrating the country’s commitment to human rights through concrete actions.
The Domestic Front and Political Agenda
Dhankhar also recognized that some individuals within India are exploiting human rights for their own political agendas. He suggested that there are attempts to use human rights discourse to disrupt the demographic balance of the country, citing the disproportionate invocation of refugee rights and the filing of related cases in the Supreme Court.
Potential Global Repercussions
He warned that such manipulations could have serious global repercussions. Countries, he emphasized, can lose their identity and face negative consequences on the international stage if they fail to address demographic changes effectively.
Take Away Points:
- The speech highlights concerns about the selective application of human rights principles and the potential for them to be manipulated for political gain.
- It emphasizes the importance of understanding and countering the agenda of forces seeking to negatively portray India on the international stage.
- It highlights the need for India to actively defend its human rights record and demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the rights of its citizens.
- It stresses the importance of addressing domestic concerns about the use of human rights for political purposes and the potential impact of demographic changes.
