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Minority rights protection in South Asia curtailed by minimal engagement with human rights mechanisms, report finds

16 February 202316 February 2023

MRG’s recommendations to the UN Forum on Minority Issues

2 December 20222 December 2022

One Year of Arbitrary Detention: Human Rights Organisations Call for Release of Kashmiri Human Rights Defender Khurram Parvez

21 November 202222 November 2022

Latest publications

South Asia State of Minorities Report 2022 – Weakening Human Rights Commitments and Its Impact on Minorities

16 February 202316 February 2023

Disinformation used in political electioneering in Punjab by-elections

30 September 202230 September 2022

Hatefull Places: Punjab, the epicentre of hate speech in Pakistan – A geospatial analysis of Twitter conversations

29 September 202213 December 2022

The Hate Speech Crisis: Ways to start fixing it – A toolkit for civil society organizations and activists

20 May 202231 January 2023

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Land Body Ecologies – The impacts of environmental change on mental health (LBE) - Duration: 1 October 2021 – 30 September 2023 Country: Finland (Arctic North), India, Kenya, Uganda, and United Kingdom Communities: Ogiek (Kenya), tribal communities in the buffer… …

Protecting the rights of religious minorities - Duration: July 2019 – July 2023 Countries: Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Iraq, Iran, Syria Communities: Chaldo-Assyrian Christians,… …

Our archive

All news and updates

Minority rights protection in South Asia curtailed by minimal engagement with human rights mechanisms, report finds (16 February 2023)
MRG’s recommendations to the UN Forum on Minority Issues (2 December 2022)
One Year of Arbitrary Detention: Human Rights Organisations Call for Release of Kashmiri Human Rights Defender Khurram Parvez (21 November 2022)
Kick off in Qatar: Who is being overshadowed? (17 November 2022)
Filming persecution in secret: James Dann on the making of Section 298 (13 October 2022)
EVENT: Securing justice for violations against religious minorities in India (11 October 2022)
MRG and partners stand in solidarity with the International Dalit Solidarity Network (5 October 2022)
India: The UN Human Rights Council must act for minority and indigenous rights (5 October 2022)
EVENT: An Overview of Online Hate Speech in Pakistan (27 September 2022)
EVENT: Section 298 – Documentary screening and panel discussion (15 September 2022)
EVENT: Minorities subjected to contemporary forms of slavery: Addressing a global concern (7 September 2022)
From exclusion to violence: The case of religious minorities in Pakistan (23 August 2022)
It’s been a year and I can’t even express my feelings (17 August 2022)
MRG expresses concern about the situation of minority women in Afghanistan (5 July 2022)
MRG and partners gravely concerned by the situation facing religious and ethnic minorities in India (15 June 2022)
Advocating for employment equality for religious minorities in Balochistan (7 April 2022)
UPR of India – Joint contribution from MRG and partners (31 March 2022)
MRG expresses grave concern over recent reports of extreme hate speech against minorities in India (21 March 2022)
MRG condemns killing of Priyantha Kumara, minority Christian in Pakistan (6 December 2021)
Aimaq in Afghanistan: Surviving a difficult situation (30 November 2021)
Afghan minority activist in Pakistan speaks about his former work (26 November 2021)
Lives since the Taliban takeover (24 November 2021)
MRG condemns widespread attacks against Hindu minority in Bangladesh (19 October 2021)
By turning down bill against forced conversion, Pakistan fails to address human rights violations (14 October 2021)
Incite! What is causing the rapid spread of hate speech against religious minorities and how can this be countered? (30 September 2021)
MRG deeply concerned by the situation of ethnic and religious or belief minorities in Afghanistan (27 September 2021)
EVENT: History of Tyranny – The ongoing persecution of Hazaras in Afghanistan (21 September 2021)
WEBINAR: #Incite! Identifying and challenging online hate speech (10 September 2021)
CREID calls for creation of a robust international accountability mechanism to monitor and report on the human rights situation in Afghanistan (24 August 2021)
The whole world must act now to avert a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan (16 August 2021)
Side-event at the UN Human Rights Council sheds light on hate speech in South Asia (31 March 2021)
From hate to violence: Preventing & countering hate speech against minorities in South Asia (5 March 2021)
MRG hails UN report on Islamophobia (3 March 2021)
Himalayan Dam Disaster: A Symptom of What? (26 February 2021)
Covid-19 further restricts already diminished space for civil society in South Asia, report finds (7 December 2020)
Building back better: toward a minority, indigenous and disability-inclusive post-Covid-19 world (3 December 2020)
Discrimination at school: Paterson Joseph and Sanabil Shahzad (3 November 2020)
Shi’a become latest target of Pakistan’s extremist Islamic factions; murders, hate speech and numerous blasphemy allegation sow seeds of long-term religious tension (20 October 2020)
HRC45 – MRG welcomes the new Special Rapporteur on indigenous peoples and highlights the growing problem of “fortress conservation” projects violating indigenous peoples’ rights (24 September 2020)
MRG welcomes Special Rapporteur Tomoya Obokata’s first report on COVID-19 and slavery (16 September 2020)
Saneha’s story: Why I care, and why you should too (3 September 2020)
MRG Statement on National Minorities’ Day – Pakistan (11 August 2020)
Dalits with disabilities hit hardest by lockdown in Nepal (Part 2) (4 August 2020)
Dalits with disabilities hit hardest by lockdown in Nepal (Part 1) (21 July 2020)
HRC44 – Joint oral statement on civil society space in Sri Lanka (10 July 2020)
Kashmir: A tale of two lockdowns (18 June 2020)
Beyond Commissions: Institutionalizing Minority Rights In Pakistan (2 June 2020)
Our response to COVID-19 is only as strong as our weakest link (26 May 2020)
Religious Minorities, Privacy and Data Protection in the Fight Against COVID-19 (5 May 2020)
MRG concerned by anti-Ahmadiyya campaign online and condemns Pakistani State Minister’s participation (1 May 2020)
COVID-19 strikes South Asia’s minorities at a time when their rights are already threatened across the region, as flagship annual report makes clear (29 April 2020)
South Asia Collective COVID-19 Support Grants (9 April 2020)
HRC43 – MRG raises alarm at the discriminatory nature of the CAA in India (10 March 2020)
HRC43 – Side Event – Sri Lanka: A failure of justice (28 February 2020)
HRC43 – Joint NGO call for the UN to establish an accountability mechanism for Sri Lanka (28 February 2020)
MRG condemns passing of the Citizenship Amendment Bill, calls on the Indian government for its repeal (12 December 2019)
Opening the Kartarpur Corridor is a symbol of peace and respect between religions and deserves applause, says MRG (9 November 2019)
Six months on, there is still no accountability for attacks on refugees and asylum-seekers in Sri Lanka – new report (1 November 2019)
HRC42 – MRG and others raise alarm at the situation in Assam, India, that “could now lead to the biggest mass disenfranchisement of the 21st century.” (10 September 2019)
MRG joins 124 NGOs condemning mass-disenfranchisement in Assam (9 September 2019)
Who Belongs Where in Northeast India, and Who Should Decide? (31 July 2019)
HRC41 – NGOs raise alarm at the imminent risk of mass deprivation of nationality and arbitrary detention in the Indian state of Assam (3 July 2019)
HRC41 – MRG concerned by the situation of Muslims, refugees and asylum seekers in Sri Lanka (25 June 2019)
HRC41 – #NoCasteLeftBehind – Side Event on Dalit Women and Gender Justice (20 June 2019)
Minority rights deteriorate across South Asia (12 June 2019)
Sri Lanka – Joint urgent appeal to provide protection for refugees and asylum seekers (9 May 2019)
MRG strongly condemns violent attacks in Sri Lanka, calls on the government to ensure the safety of the country’s religious minorities (24 April 2019)
Are campaigners putting planetary concerns before people? (22 March 2019)
HRC40 – MRG and ISI urge the HRC to pay attention to the risk of mass deprivation of nationality in Assam, India (12 March 2019)
MRG welcomes decision to uphold blasphemy acquittal of Asia Bibi (29 January 2019)
MRGI welcomes Pakistani supreme court decision to overturn death sentence against Asia Bibi (2 November 2018)
HRC39 – SR on indigenous peoples – MRG’s statement on criminalization of indigenous human rights defenders (19 September 2018)
HRC39 – SR on water and sanitation: Joint call for India to uphold the right to water and sanitation of Dalits (10 September 2018)
India: MRG & IDSN strongly condemn latest arrests of prominent human rights defenders (31 August 2018)
HRC38 – MRG calls for greater attention to the situation of minorities in Iraq, Egypt and India (27 June 2018)
UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – MRG’s Submission regarding criminalisation and attacks on indigenous peoples defending their rights (16 March 2018)
HRC37 – MRG urges Sri Lanka to address violence against Muslims (14 March 2018)
Sri Lanka: Outbreak of religious violence against Muslims; MRG calls for end to impunity, arrest and prosecution of those responsible for attacks and hate campaigns (6 March 2018)
HRC37 – SR on Freedom of religion and belief: MRG’s reaction to the Special Rapporteur’s study on the relationship between states and religions (2 March 2018)
MRG joins tributes to former Council member Asma Jahangir (12 February 2018)
Myanmar/Bangladesh: Rohingya repatriation must be voluntary and take place only once underlying issues are addressed by Myanmar government, MRG says (16 January 2018)
UPR of Pakistan – Joint statement: “Action needed to protect Dalits against forced disappearances, slavery and discrimination” (13 November 2017)
HRC36 – Adoption of the UPR of India: Reaction from MRG, Citizens Against Hate and People’s Watch (21 September 2017)
Communal violence, impunity and rising intolerance must be addressed to end hostility towards religious minorities, new report and online map (29 June 2017)
Intimidation against Lakshan Dias ‘a serious threat to freedom of expression in Sri Lanka,’ raises severe concerns for treatment of country’s religious minorities, MRG (22 June 2017)
Notes from Islamabad: How MRG is helping to build a new generation of actor-activists in Pakistan (1 June 2017)
Actions of the Indian government with respect to minority communities – Universal Periodic Review 27th session (May 2017) (24 April 2017)
HRC34 – Sri Lanka: MRG calls for accountability and transitional justice (22 March 2017)
Threats, intimidation and hate speech against Muslims and Christians continue to mar post-war transition to peace in Sri Lanka – new report (8 December 2016)
Religious minorities ‘under threat’ in Bangladesh, complicit authorities must do more – new report (17 November 2016)
‘Violent attacks and high levels of everyday discrimination’ – MRG launches new online resource on religious minorities in today’s Pakistan (20 October 2016)
Minorities in South Asia: Narrative Interventions on the Eve of Partition (15 August 2016)
MRG condemns attack on Christian community in Lahore, calls on Pakistan government to address targeted violence (29 March 2016)
‘Life at the Margins’ – new story pack on multiple forms of discrimination faced by minorities and indigenous peoples (8 March 2016)
A new movement for minority rights in South Asia (25 January 2016)
Life after the earthquake for Dalit communities in Nepal (29 December 2015)
Nepali government must urgently address constitutional grievances before winter brings catastrophe, says MRG (21 December 2015)
Film screenings of MRG documentaries – Hungary, 16 December (8 December 2015)
UK must pressure Modi to protect minority rights in India, says MRG (12 November 2015)
Sri Lanka: MRG’s reaction to the report of the OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka (OISL) (30 September 2015)
Sustainable Development Goals welcome, but pledge that ‘no one will be left behind’ must now be honoured by all governments, MRG (23 September 2015)
Legacy of war still haunts minority women in Sri Lanka, says MRG study (16 September 2015)
A word on migrants, refugees and minority rights (4 September 2015)
Cities – the new battleground for minority and indigenous rights, MRG annual report (2 July 2015)
Shaheedo Tum Kahan Ho – a film about Pakistan’s Hazara (7 May 2015)
Can Sri Lanka’s minorities dare to hope for change from the nation’s new President? (29 January 2015)
Pakistan’s religious minorities ‘face acute levels of persecution’, warns new report (9 December 2014)
Pakistan’s religious minorities ‘face acute levels of persecution’, warns new report (9 December 2014)
Asian governments must combat hate crime towards minorities and indigenous peoples, says annual survey (3 July 2014)
Sri Lanka must curb incitement against minorities, says MRG (17 June 2014)
Shi’a Muslims in Pakistan face ‘unprecedented’ violence, new report (12 June 2014)
Minority groups in Asia at grave risk of mass killings: MRG (28 April 2014)
Respect for minorities still doubtful under Nepal’s new Constituent Assembly (12 February 2014)
Bangladesh must end violence against religious minorities: MRG (16 January 2014)
Speaking out against the silence: Violence against minority women (19 November 2013)
Minority women in Sri Lanka facing increasing levels of sexual violence and insecurity (16 October 2013)
MRG condemns attack on Christians in Pakistan and calls for increased protection of minorities in the country (23 September 2013)
2013 Peoples under Threat survey: Risk of sectarian killing in Pakistan, Syria, Yemen reaches critical level. Eight most at risk states out of top ten subject to recent or prolonged foreign military interventions. (9 July 2013)
UN Human Rights Chief: Speech laws must strike balance (24 April 2013)
A Pakistani Baha’i’s story (10 April 2013)
MRG welcomes UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Sri Lanka (27 March 2013)
Time for comprehensive action to end violence against Dalit women and girls, says MRG on International Women’s Day (7 March 2013)
MRG condemns Quetta bombings, calls for swift and long-term initiatives to ensure protection for religious and ethnic minorities (21 February 2013)
Time to act in Pakistan is now, say human rights organisations (1 November 2012)
Sri Lanka: Caught in the crossfire (30 October 2012)
UN review of Pakistan: Urgent protection needed for minorities (23 October 2012)
Civil Society Organisations Deeply Concerned by Ongoing Violence against Stateless Rohingya in Myanmar (Burma) and Their Refoulement from Bangladesh (16 July 2012)
Civil society organizations deeply concerned by on-going violence against stateless Rohingya in Myanmar and their refoulement from Bangladesh (16 July 2012)
For many indigenous and minority communities, ‘development’ brings only destruction – new global report (28 June 2012)
MRG concerned about the attack and relocation of a mosque in Sri Lanka, calls on Sri Lankan government to take immediate action to protect religious freedoms (26 April 2012)
UN resolution an important step towards justice for minority communities in Sri Lanka (23 March 2012)
Development with identity (14 March 2012)
MRG calls for independent international mechanism to deal with issue of accountability in Sri Lanka (28 December 2011)
MRG condemns Mumbai bombings but warns against arbitrary detentions of Muslims (20 July 2011)
Afghanistan most significant riser in global Peoples under Threat 2011 survey (12 May 2011)
Bhatti killing pushes Pakistan closer to the brink (7 March 2011)
MRG condemns killing of Pakistan’s Minorities Minister (2 March 2011)
Pakistan blasphemy law targets minorities and should be repealed – MRG (4 February 2011)
Rising ethnic nationalism in Sri Lanka targets minorities for abuse – new report (19 January 2011)
A Journey to Imja Lake: Climate change in the land of the Sherpa (22 December 2010)
One year since the end of war: Sri Lanka’s minorities need justice, security and lasting peace (17 May 2010)
MRG condemns attack on Bangladeshi indigenous activist (26 January 2010)
Photo Story: How climate change is affecting communities in Nepal (8 December 2009)
Sixty years on and caste discrimination continues in India (12 October 2009)
Ethnic reconciliation should be a priority for Afghanistan’s new President (21 August 2009)
Children in Gujarat, India, protest against caste-based discrimination (20 August 2009)
MRG concerned about impact on Shi’a women of new law in Afghanistan (19 August 2009)
Security guarantees must be in place before Pakistan’s Pashtun and other minorities return home – new briefing (11 August 2009)
Minorities and the constitution building process in Nepal (4 August 2009)
War against Islamic extremists putting lives of civilians in Asian countries under extreme threat (2 July 2009)
Discovering Kathmandu and a vision for the future of Nepal (1 June 2009)
Minorities under threat as situation escalates in Swat valley (7 May 2009)
Dalits in India face attacks and intimidation in polls, fear more violence to come (29 April 2009)
Humanitarian Crisis in Sri Lanka (24 April 2009)
Urgent UN Security Council intervention needed on Sri Lanka. (22 April 2009)
Chagossians’ struggle continues (29 October 2008)
Minorities in the new Nepal (29 May 2008)
Afghanistan and Burma top global ranking of Peoples Under Threat, Sri Lanka and Pakistan show major rises (25 February 2008)
Little cheer in Lanka (21 February 2008)
International human rights monitors now ever more crucial for Sri Lanka (4 January 2008)
Sri Lanka’s ethnic Tamils and Muslims worst affected in country’s human rights crisis (13 December 2007)
UN Special Rapporteur placed under house arrest in Pakistan (9 November 2007)
Situation for minorities has deteriorated fastest in Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the last year – new report (20 March 2007)
India has failed to replicate success in Tamil Nadu to halt other ethnic conflicts (14 December 2006)
Less protection for those who change religion will deepen discrimination for India’s most marginalized group, says MRG (17 October 2006)
Sri Lankan Government and Tamil Tiger rebels must make a greater commitment to safeguard minority rights (10 August 2006)
Notes from… India (1 June 2006)
India’s Dalits refused access to tsunami relief (13 January 2005)
Workshop for Minority/Indigenous NGOs on UN Human Rights Treaties, San José, Costa Rica, 13-17 March, 2005 / Taller para ONGs de minorías/indígenas sobre los tratados de derechos humanos de la ONU, San José, Costa Rica, 13-17 Marzo, 2005 (12 January 2005)
Borok minority of north-east India victims of military and ‘development’ (15 March 2004)
India’s Dalit Christians face caste discrimination and loss of government assistance (15 March 2004)
Nepal’s Dalit women face discrimination, violence and exclusion (15 March 2004)
Religious minorities in Pakistan challenge constitution to protect rights and security (15 March 2004)
Afghanistan’s minorities challenge transitional government to secure rights (15 March 2004)
India’s Dalits take to the road to raise awareness of ‘hidden apartheid’ (12 January 2004)
Afghanistan needs progressive Constitution to build sustainable peace (10 December 2003)
New Afghan Constitution seeks to prevent civil conflict (3 November 2003)
Indian Adivasis begin hunger strike in call for land rights and justice (10 October 2003)
High Court rejects rights claims of Diego Garcia exiles (9 October 2003)
Pakistan urged to act to defend religious minorities (9 October 2002)
Dalit women in India (25 July 2002)
Government of India must uphold Supreme Court decision to prevent further communal violence (14 March 2002)
Human rights group calls for urgent inquiry as Indian Government fails to prevent Gujarat massacre (6 March 2002)
Grave danger of further revenge killings as Afghan conflict is ethnicized (14 November 2001)
Military action against Afghanistan must abide by international law (9 October 2001)
Neelan Tiruchelvam Commemoration Programme: CD of the concert for peace and reconciliation in Colombo is now available (9 January 2001)

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