GENEVA – The U.N. human rights chief on Tuesday urged India’s government to do more to protect human rights defenders, who have come under mounting pressure in recent months in the world’s largest democracy.
The office of High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet pointed to three “problematic” laws in India that have variously tightened restrictions on non-governmental organizations and led to a crackdown on dissent.
Her office lamented “vaguely worded laws that restrict foreign funding” that are increasingly being used to quell voices in civil society.“Constructive criticism is the lifeblood of democracy.