UN called for the immediate release of the five defenders if their detention is linked solely to the peaceful exercise of their rights
A group of United Nations (UN) experts has expressed concern over the arrest and detention of five Indigenous human rights defenders in Assam, warning that the charges against them could undermine the work of those protecting Indigenous Peoples’ or Adivasi rights in the context of business activities.
In a press statement, UN says that they were concerned that the activists had been deprived of their liberty for peacefully advocating on behalf of Indigenous communities and warned that such arrests could discourage others from speaking out against alleged rights abuses.
The statement adds that, Assam Police arrested Pranab Doley, Rajib Pegu, Brijit Kutum, Amit Nag and Bhaskar Saikia in connection with protests held on June 29, against a proposed luxury tourism project at Inglay Pathar near Kaziranga National Park. The project is reportedly linked to an agreement between the Assam government and Juniper Hotels and is associated with the Hyatt group, a leading hospitality chain based at Chicago in the United States.
Also Read: Taleb Rifai, Secretary General, United Nations’ World Tourism Organisation
The experts referred to the recent report of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, which found that threats, arrests, surveillance, retaliation and legal harassment can undermine the ability of Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous human rights defenders to participate freely in decisions concerning business activities.
Assam Police have arrested Pranab Doley
UN says that the states must ensure that human rights defenders are able to protect and promote human rights without intimidation, reprisals or criminalisation.
The experts also expressed concern over reports that the local police involved in the arrests have previously been associated with allegations of torture and other forms of ill-treatment. They urged authorities to ensure that the detained activists are treated with dignity and that their rights are fully protected.
UN called for the immediate release of the five defenders if their detention is linked solely to the peaceful exercise of their rights. It also urged authorities to ensure that any criminal proceedings comply with international human rights standards.
The experts further called on authorities to suspend any land acquisition or development related to the project until affected Indigenous communities have been meaningfully consulted and their free, prior and informed consent has been obtained.
They also recalled that under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, companies have a responsibility to respect human rights by identifying, preventing and addressing adverse impacts on Indigenous Peoples and ensuring that individuals raising concerns are not subjected to reprisals.
The experts encouraged India to strengthen its cooperation with the Human Rights Council’s Special Procedures, including by accepting pending requests for country visits by mandate holders.
