This paper summarizes Amnesty International’s main human rights concerns in India as they have arisen since January 1987. A final section sets out a series of measures for the protection of human rights which Amnesty International recommends the government to consider implementing.
India has a Constitution which guarantees a number of fundamental rights. National and local bodies in India, including the Supreme Court High Courts in the various states do important work to protect these rights: some- times they even treat letters from victims as fundamental rights petitions and abuses have consequently been redressed. Similarly, civil liberties groups regularly high- light alleged abuses, as does the Indian press which reflects a lively debate about the observance of human rights in the country. Despite these efforts however, Amnesty International believes that many victims of human rights abuses are unable to get speedy and effective protection, especially if difficult circumstances prevail. The Government of India should take steps to ensure that the basic human rights and legal safeguards of all citizens are protected, especially the rights and safeguards of those liable to have been disregarded. This is necessary not only in order to protect and give effect to the basic principles enshrined in the Indian constitution, but also because India is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention. The Covenant also stipulates that, even in times of public emergency when the life of the nation is at stake, a government should always protect all its citizens’ right to life, shield its citizens from torture and protect the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Although the state governments of India’s 25 states have the principal responsibility for maintaining law and order, the central government has responsibility for ensuring that the fundamental rights guaranteed in the Indian Constitution
