A human rights defender is someone who peacefully promotes and protects human rights.
Human rights defenders in India, particularly those from minority backgrounds, are increasingly facing threats and intimidation from the government for their work. Many have been harassed, arrested, and jailed in attempts to silence them.
As the Indian General Elections approach, the risks to human rights defenders and religious minorities are heightened. Hate speech and violence against those who are critical of the government and its policies have spiked.
In support of human rights defenders in India, the South Asia Justice Campaign will highlight the stories of some of the individuals who are pushing back against the shrinking civic space in India and standing up for human rights. We call for human rights defenders in India to be protected and to release those who are in prolonged detention.
GULFISHA FATIMA
Gulfisha is a Muslim student activist who became involved in peaceful women-led protests in Selampur, in the North-East of Delhi, for religious freedom and secularism in India.
(Learn About Her Case Here)
Meeran Haider
Meeran Haider is one of the many human rights defenders from a minority background in India who has been targeted for his human rights work.
(Learn About His Case Here)