Miles2Smile Foundation, a distinguished non-profit organization dedicated to offering relief and rehabilitation measures to marginalized communities in India raised its voice for the protection of minority rights in India at the 16th session of the UN Forum on Minority Issues held recently on November 29, 2023.
Aasif Mujtaba, the founder and director, passionately articulated the Foundation’s concerns regarding the unsettling pattern of demolishing homes and establishments belonging to Muslims in India, orchestrated by the country’s far-right government.
Describing this troubling phenomenon as “bulldozer justice,” he emphasized its alarming implications for the security and well-being of Muslims in India, drawing attention to its brazen endorsement by far-right Hindu Nationalist leaders.
Mujtaba emphasized the gravity of this trend, labeling it a formidable challenge to fundamental values such as inclusion and equality in the world’s largest democracy.
International Organizations, likes of Human Rights Watch and the United Nations Special Rapporteurs have also unequivocally condemned the treatment of Indian Muslims by Indian Nationalist leaders, characterizing it as a collective punishment.
Such alarming assessments underscore the perilous situation faced by over 200 million individuals, who are now at risk of widespread violence, homelessness, and a potential genocide, according to Genocide Watch, coordinating organization of The Alliance Against Genocide (AAG), an international coalition of organizations.
Despite the explicit expression of serious concerns by United Nations special rapporteurs to the Modi government in June 2022, highlighting the issue of arbitrary home demolitions disproportionately affecting Muslims, Mujtaba deplored the government’s unfortunate failure to heed these recommendations
“Miles2Smile foundation has a wealth of data, and evidence concerning gross human rights violation activities, ready for submission to the council or collaboration with human rights organizations interested in addressing the issue, ” pointed Mujtaba.
Concluding his speech, he urged the council to condemn these egregious human rights violations and call upon India to initiate a thorough and impartial investigation into the demolition of properties and forced eviction of minorities.
Mujtaba highlighted the pivotal role of cooperation from the Indian officials in ensuring a heightened sense of security for both life and property. This, he argued, would not only mitigate the prevailing human rights concerns but also lay the groundwork for increased consultation, cooperation, and confidence-building among diverse communities. .
Established nearly four years ago, Miles2Smile Foundation has consistently responded to societal adversities, including the oxygen crisis during the Covid-19 pandemic, providing medical relief to victims of the Delhi pogrom, and supporting the education of children affected by communal violence in India.
The foundation has initiated a groundbreaking educational sponsorship program ‘Shaagird’ for communal violence victims, and underprivileged children.
For more information about their impactful campaigns, and initiatives, visit Miles2Smile’s website here.
