Amnesty International “STOP BULLDOZER INJUSTICE IN INDIA”

Amnesty International STOP BULLDOZER INJUSTICE IN INDIA, Amnesty International has published two comprehensive reports, titled “If you speak up, your house will be demolished”: Bulldozer Injustice in India” and “Unearthing Accountability:

Quick Summary:

Amnesty International exposes unlawful demolitions of Muslim properties in India using JCB bulldozers, part of a hate campaign, in reports titled “If you speak up, your house will be demolished” and “Unearthing Accountability: JCB’s Role in Bulldozer Injustice in India.” Amnesty urges the Indian government to stop using demolitions as extra-judicial punishment, prevent homelessness, provide compensation, and hold culprits accountable. Reports cite JCB involvement in 33 demolitions, displacing at least 617 individuals. Amnesty calls on JCB to condemn its machinery’s use in human rights violations and establish robust human rights policies.

Amnesty International STOP BULLDOZER INJUSTICE IN INDIA

Amnesty International has published two comprehensive reports, titled “If you speak up, your house will be demolished”: Bulldozer Injustice in India” and “Unearthing Accountability: JCB’s Role and Responsibility in Bulldozer Injustice in India.” These reports shed light on the rampant and unlawful demolitions of Muslim properties, including homes, businesses, and places of worship, across at least five states in India. The demolition activities employ JCB-branded bulldozers as a tool in a campaign of hatred against the minority Muslim community.

The reports emphasize the urgent need for the Indian government and state governments to cease the de facto policy of using demolitions as a form of extra-judicial punishment. Additionally, they call for the assurance that affected individuals are not made homeless due to forced evictions, proper compensation for those impacted by demolitions, and accountability for those responsible for these violations of human rights.

The investigations conducted by Amnesty International focus on 63 out of 128 documented demolitions, involving more than a hundred interviews with survivors, legal experts, journalists, and community leaders. These demolitions occurred between April and June 2022 in states such as Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, following episodes of communal violence or protests against discrimination towards Muslims. The reports reveal at least 33 instances of JCB machines being repeatedly used in these demolitions, resulting in the displacement of at least 617 individuals.

Amnesty International underscores the responsibility of JCB, the manufacturer of the machines widely employed in these demolitions. The company is urged to conduct human rights due diligence, mitigate adverse impacts, and establish robust human rights policies concerning the use of its equipment worldwide. Amnesty calls for JCB to publicly condemn the use of its machinery in committing human rights violations, particularly in the context of punitive demolitions targeting Muslim properties in India.

Check article here: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/02/india-authorities-must-immediately-stop-unjust-targeted-demolition-of-muslim-properties/

Who are Amnesty International

Amnesty International, commonly known as Amnesty or AI, is a global non-governmental organization that focuses on human rights. Established in London in 1961 by lawyer Peter Benenson, Amnesty International has grown to encompass over ten million members and supporters worldwide. The organization’s mission is to advocate for a world where every individual enjoys the human rights outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments.

Amnesty International initially concentrated on the plight of prisoners of conscience, as highlighted in Peter Benenson’s seminal articles “The Forgotten Prisoners” and “An Appeal for Amnesty.” These pieces, published in The Observer, recounted the stories of individuals imprisoned for their beliefs in various countries. Over the years, Amnesty’s scope expanded under the leadership of figures like Seán MacBride and Martin Ennals, encompassing issues such as miscarriages of justice and torture.

In recognition of its significant contributions to the promotion of human rights, Amnesty International was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977. Throughout its history, the organization has been led by individuals like Thomas Hammarberg, Pierre Sané, and Irene Khan. Amnesty International focuses on drawing attention to human rights abuses, advocating for adherence to international laws and standards, and mobilizing public opinion to exert pressure on governments where rights violations occur. The organization’s work has made it a prominent and influential force in addressing human rights issues globally.

Bulldozer Politics In India

Amnesty International India

Amnesty International India, a branch of the global Amnesty International network, operated as part of the broader movement dedicated to promoting and safeguarding human rights and dignity. Headquartered in Bangalore, India, the organization faced significant challenges and legal issues that ultimately led to the suspension of its operations in the country in September 2020.

Key Information:

• Type: NGO
• Location: Bangalore, India
• Key People: Avinash Kumar (Executive Director)
• Website: amnesty.org.in

History:

• Amnesty International’s presence in India dates back to 1966 when an office was established in Bihar.
• The organization focused on addressing various human rights issues, including torture, prisoners of conscience, abusive laws, women’s rights, and corporate accountability.

Controversies and Challenges:

1. Kashmir Event and Sedition Charges:
   • In August 2016, Amnesty organized an event in Bengaluru discussing human rights violations in Kashmir.
   • The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad filed an FIR against Amnesty India, accusing it of being anti-national.
   • Sedition charges were initially pressed but later dropped.
2. CBI Raid and Foreign Funding Probe:
   • In November 2019, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raided Amnesty International India’s offices in Bengaluru and New Delhi, investigating alleged violations of foreign funding laws.
   • CBI cited contravention of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 2010 and the Indian Penal Code.
   • Aakar Patel served as the chief of Amnesty in 2019.
3. Freezing of Bank Accounts:
   • In 2020, Amnesty claimed that the Indian government’s reprisals led to the freezing of the organization’s bank accounts.
   • The Ministry of Home Affairs accused Amnesty of violating the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
4. Enforcement Directorate Action:
   • In February 2021, the Enforcement Directorate attached properties worth ₹17.66 crore, alleging a violation of the FCRA.

Campaigns:

• Amnesty International India engaged in various campaigns, including collaboration with the Railway Protection Force in Mumbai to ensure the safety of female passengers.
• Campaigns also addressed issues such as reducing the number of under-trials in Indian jails, seeking justice for victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, and opposing the death penalty in India.

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