2024 has seen several nations head to elections, with more scheduled to hit the polls during the second half of the year. The countries of South Asia have not been any exception. While Sri Lanka awaits its national election in October, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India have already formed their respective new governments. These elections were wanting in electoral integrity, and marred by restrictions and violence against dissidents and opposition parties. Notably, they were also occasions for further violations against minorities in the countries.
Against this backdrop, the South Asia Collective expresses grave concern and strongly condemns the escalating violence, hate speech, and discrimination against minorities in the above countries, and the wider South Asia region. The region, rich in cultural and religious diversity, has seen violence and discrimination against minorities grow at an alarming rate. The various forms of attacks on marginalized communities are a direct affront to human dignity and fundamental rights, and democracy. The acts of intolerance and violence demand urgent and concerted action from respective states, and the wider international community.
While each state presents a unique situation, the overall trend shows a disturbing trend towards hostility and discrimination against minorities.
Afghanistan, already plagued by conflict and instability, has seen conditions for minorities, particularly the Hazara community, worsen significantly. Targeted attacks and systemic exclusion have left these communities in a constant state of fear and insecurity. In 2024, the situation for women and girls has also deteriorated, with severe restrictions on their rights and freedoms, most notably being enforced through mandatory hijab.
In Bangladesh, the colonial and pre-independence oppression against religious and ethnic minorities continues, despite reassurance from the ruling government and constitution. Temples of Hindus have been vandalized, homes razed, and entire ethnic indigenous communities left in fear. These cases of intolerance not only threaten the social fabric of the nation but also undermine its commitment to secularism and democracy.
India, ironically the largest democracy in the world, has witnessed a disturbing increase in communal violence, particularly against Muslims, Christians, Dalits and Adivasis, over the past decade. The introduction of discriminatory laws, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), has stoked fears and insecurities among minority communities. These legislative measures, coupled with inflammatory rhetoric from ‘Hindutva’- inspired political leaders, including the senior most in power, have created an environment of fear, undermining the Constitutionally guaranteed principles of equality, justice and rule of law.
Myanmar remains a stark example of ethnic cleansing and gross human rights violations with the persecution of Rohingya, as well as other ethnic-religious minorities continuing unabated. Despite international condemnation, their situation has worsened since the coup in 2021. In Rakhine, Rohingyas particularly remain homeless, living in deplorable conditions, facing ongoing persecution and violence. There are allegations of forced conscription of the Rohingyas by the Junta. In addition, clashes between the Arakan Army and the Junta have led to the generation of large numbers of refugees into neighboring Bangladesh. This case of ethnic subjugation holds as a stark reminder of how one South Asian country’s problem spills over to another.
In Nepal, Dalits, indigenous communities and Madhesis continue to face systemic discrimination and exclusion from political processes. Recent policies have deepened social divisions, further marginalizing these groups and denying them their rightful place in society. Religious minorities in Nepal face administrative hurdles in exercising their freedom of religion or belief. Discrimination is exacerbated by the restriction on proselytization, principally targeting Christian faith. In addition, discrimination extends to the denial of burial rights for both Christian and Muslim communities. This persistent exclusion not only violates their rights but also hampers the country’s progress towards inclusive development and social cohesion.
Pakistan has also seen a surge in the persecution of religious minorities, including Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadis. Recent legislative changes have further marginalized these communities, stripping them of their rights and leaving them vulnerable to violence and discrimination. Attacks on the Shia Muslim community and the violence called on the state to crack down on militant groups. The state’s failure to protect these groups and hold perpetrators accountable has only emboldened those who seek to sow seeds of discord and hatred. The state is also being called upon to protect civil liberties while protestors in Balochistan are being detained.
Sri Lanka, similarly continues to grapple with repressive laws and practices that marginalize minority communities. The Malaiyaha Tamils are still facing systemic discrimination. Lack of access to basic services have rendered them in poverty, with very little progress taking place to address their duress. Political representatives belonging to different religious and ethnic communities like the Muslims and the Tamils are subjected to racial and communal slurs, and in the absence of a strong dissuasive message from the authorities, these practices show no sign of lessening.
South Asia Collective identifies a disturbing pattern of minority rights violations entrenching across these nations. These incidents are often interconnected, with violence and discrimination in one country spilling over into neighboring regions. When minorities in one South Asian country are abused, there is often a retaliatory response in a neighboring country, exacerbating the cycle of violence. For instance, attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh frequently lead to retaliatory violence against Muslim minorities in India, and vice versa, creating a vicious cycle of retribution. Social media plays a significant role in this dynamic, as hate speech content spreads rapidly across platforms, instigating further violence.
Given the urgency and complexity of the situation, we invite immediate and decisive action from various stakeholders. Every South Asian government must live up to its international human rights obligations and take concrete steps to protect and promote minority rights. This includes repealing discriminatory laws, enforcing the rule of law, effective justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators, and fostering an inclusive political and social climate in addition to developing policies to prevent sectarian hatred spreading on the Internet without violating the right to free speech. Balancing these concerns is a good thing, but it can be done through community cooperation. Civil society organizations must continue to document and advocate for human rights violations, build solidarity and amplify the voices of marginalized communities. They also hold governments accountable for any policy decisions that go against the interests of marginalized communities. The international community should step up efforts to hold South Asian governments accountable for human rights violations, and to ensure they fulfill their international obligations. Increased diplomatic pressure, coupled with support from grassroots institutions, can contribute to meaningful change.
The South Asia Collective is a coalition of human rights activists and organizations dedicated to creating a just, caring and peaceful South Asia. Since December 2015, we have documented conditions for minorities-religious, linguistic, ethnic, racial and gender, aiming to improve outcomes for marginalized groups We compiled like-minded groups and conferences across our work, began to provide practical support to minorities across international borders. Our goal is to develop a South Asian Charter on Minorities and Human Rights and develop mechanisms for its enforcement at the regional and national levels.
For a detailed account of our recent work, please visit [bulletin](#).