Violations Of Law Cannot Be Condoned Under Pretext Of Human Rights: India Responds To UN Over FCRA

Supported by

India on October 20 reacted to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet’s concerns over restrictions on NGOs and arrest of activists, claiming that ‘violations of the law cannot be condoned under the pretext of human rights and a more informed view of the matter was expected of the UN body’.

‘We have seen some comments by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on an issue relating to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). India is a democratic polity based on the rule of law and an independent judiciary. The framing of laws is obviously a sovereign prerogative. Violations of law, however, cannot be condoned under the pretext of human rights. A more informed view of the matter was expected of a UN body,’ External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

Read our statement on comments by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on an issue related to Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). pic.twitter.com/uPsMhktzJt

— Anurag Srivastava (@MEAIndia) October 20, 2020

Earlier, Bachelet raised concerns over the restrictions on foreign funding for the NGOs and the arrest of activists in the country.

She appealed to the Indian Government to ‘safeguard the rights of human rights defenders and NGOs, and their ability to carry out their crucial work’ on behalf of the various groups they represent.

‘India has long had a strong civil society, which has been at the forefront of groundbreaking human rights advocacy within the country and globally,’ she said in a statement. ‘But I am concerned that vaguely defined laws are increasingly being used to stifle these voices,’ she added.

She also emphasised on the use of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), which prohibits the receipt of foreign funds ‘for any activities prejudicial to the public interest.’

As per the revised FCRA law, providing Aadhaar numbers by office-bearers of NGOs has become compulsory for registration. The Act also provides for a reduction in administrative expenses of any NGO receiving foreign funding, from 50 per cent to 20 per cent of annual funds to ensure spending on their main purposes.

The government has maintained that the legislation was an effort to maintain transparency and is not against any NGO.

Also Read: ‘Tanishq Ad Created A Movement, Many Are Buying Products To Take Stand’: Ad Maker

#PoweredByYou We bring you news and stories that are worth your attention! Stories that are relevant, reliable, contextual and unbiased. If you read us, watch us, and like what we do, then show us some love! Good journalism is expensive to produce and we have come this far only with your support. Keep encouraging independent media organisations and independent journalists. We always want to remain answerable to you and not to anyone else.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Featured

Amplified by

P&G Shiksha

P&G Shiksha Turns 20 And These Stories Say It All

Amplified by

Isha Foundation

Sadhguru’s Meditation App ‘Miracle of Mind’ Hits 1 Million Downloads in 15 Hours, Surpassing ChatGPT’s Early Growth

Recent Stories

Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing Busts China-Linked Transnational Investment Scam, Saves Victims Across Six Indian States

Chandigarh

First in India: Chandigarh Mandates Weekly Dress Code for Government School Teachers and Principals Starting July 7

Indonesian Ferry Sinks Near Bali: 4 Dead, Dozens Missing as Rescue Operations Continue; President Orders Emergency Response

Contributors

Writer : 
Editor : 
Creatives :