The issue of human rights in India – including the case of the late Jesuit priest Stan Swamy – has been raised in the House of Lords.
Earlier this year, Crossbencher Baroness O’Loan submitted a written question which asked the UK Government what discussions it has had with its Indian counterparts into the death of Fr Stan in 2021.
Fr Stan was arrested by Indian authorities in October 2020 under controversial anti-terror laws for his alleged involvement in violence surrounding protests in 2018 in the village of Bhima Koregaon.
Despite a global campaign from Jesuit groups and human rights organisations calling for his release, he died in custody less than a year later.
Baroness O’Loan also queried what was being done to address the state of those still imprisoned for their alleged involvement in the protests.
Responding, Labour Peer Baroness Chapman of Darlington explained that the UK Government “takes all allegations of human rights violations very seriously” but given the nature of the case – an internal Indian legal matter – its ability to intervene is “significantly limited”.
She said: “The UK Government has a broad, deep and respectful partnership with the Government of India. This includes sharing perspectives on human rights issues and finding common ground.
“Our High Commission in New Delhi and our network across India monitor human rights across the country.
“We engage Indian stakeholders on a range of human rights matters, working with Union and State Governments, and with civil society. This includes raising issues of concern where we have them.”
Baroness Chapman added the Government “extends condolences to those who knew and worked closely with [Fr. Stan] at Jesuit Missions” and praised its work “partnering with organisations to empower local communities and to build a more just and sustainable future”.
Earlier this month, Crossbencher Lord Harries of Pentregarth, who chaired a meeting into the Bhima Koregaon case organised by Jesuit Missions in April, introduced a debate into the position of minorities in India and the challenges they face.
Fr Stan spent most of his life defending the rights of vulnerable minorities in India, including Adivasi (indigenous tribal) and Dalit (low caste) people.
Baroness Chapman repeated the Government’s view on this matter, assuring members that it monitors human rights issues in India through its diplomatic mission there.
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