By Prof. (Dr.) Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit
When the discourse on human rights is swayed by political expediency rather than an unwavering commitment to justice, the very essence of the term is compromised.
The intellectual class often takes pride in their commitment to humanity, frequently emphasizing their advocacy for human rights. However, this commitment remains selective, myopic and politically influenced. For instance, Hamas’ brutal attacks on civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, failed to elicit their concern. Only when Israel responded to what is considered the most severe attack against the Jewish population since the Holocaust did human rights become a focal point. Same thing happened with the humanitarian crisis involving Afghans in Pakistan. These individuals faced atrocious and inhumane expulsion by Pakistan. Yet, the intellectual class’ response to this crisis has been noticeably muted. This raises questions about the genuine commitment to humanity and whether such concerns are driven by political motivations rather than an unwavering dedication to human rights. But can these two be isolated examples? Let’s take another case of Sudan.
Africa has been a neglected continent despite its rich heritage and natural resources. It has faced the worst effects of colonialism and genocide and now we are watching like mute audiences the replay of another such genocide. In the recently concluded G20 under India’s Presidency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the courageous step of including the African Union as G20+1 member at the New Delhi summit. This was indeed once again informing the international community of the voice of the Global South especially Africa.
Sudan is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis and one of the worst human rights situations in its history. The Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2023 presents a sombre depiction of widespread abuses and attacks against civilians in Darfur, compounded by the lingering aftermath of the October 2021 coup. To comprehend the gravity of the situation, one must consider the humanitarian crisis detailed by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). In 2023, a staggering eight million people in Sudan will require assistance, with seven million internally displaced individuals, including over 350,000 displaced in 2022. The funding shortfall, currently standing at US$862 million out of the required US$1.9 billion, starkly underscores the inadequacy of the international response to address the urgent needs of the Sudanese people.
A majority Muslim country, Sudan is entangled in a complex web of ethnic and religious tensions that have persisted for decades. The current struggles the nation faces are not solely a contemporary crisis but rather a legacy of past conflicts that have left an indelible mark on its landscape. The enduring repercussions of conflicts in Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile, as well as the scars of the civil war in South Sudan, contribute to the simmering tensions.
In addition to the militia violence that has escalated over the past two years, existing government institutions are proving inadequate in delivering justice. Individuals are subjected to ill-treatment within judicial proceedings, underscoring the alarming nature of the human rights crisis in Sudan. This crisis demands urgent attention, yet the global response has been insufficient, clouded by political considerations and diplomatic manoeuvring. The plight of the Sudanese people, particularly the violation of religious freedom and the erosion of justice, calls for a more concerted and principled international effort to address the unfolding human rights tragedy. Compounding the suffering, outbreaks of malaria, hepatitis, measles, and dengue fever in 2022 have further burdened a population already grappling with the consequences of conflict and political instability.
It is disheartening to acknowledge that, often, human rights violations only seem to capture attention when they pertain to a specific religion. This trend is, once again, observable in the case of Sudan. Earlier, in 2019, the removal of President Omar al-Bashir sparked optimism for an end to the persecution of Christians in Sudan, as the transitional government committed to abolishing discriminatory laws. However, since the 2021 coup, a distressing reality has unfolded, marked by the attack and confiscation of church properties, harassment, and detention of leaders. The once-promised religious freedom has crumbled under the weight of political turmoil.
Yet, amidst these dire circumstances, a pertinent question arises: will this grave situation awaken the conscience of intellectuals and the global community to protect the vulnerable? The enormity of the crisis demands a collective and conscientious response to alleviate the profound suffering experienced by the Sudanese population.
The trend among self-proclaimed intellectuals in India is to incessantly question and critique India’s responses through their news articles. The Palestinian issue has dominated recent parliamentary and public discourse, subjecting MEA responses to microscopic examination. Doubts are cast on the human nature of India’s policy and its commitment to the Palestinian cause, with questions raised about whether India has abandoned Palestine. Strikingly absent from their discussions is any notable concern or awareness about Sudan, except when they wish to criticize the handling of the crisis by the MEA. Also missing are the marches or extensive opinion pieces one might expect in the face of such a grave crisis. Instead, the discourse is relegated to smaller pieces on the margins of editorials, often questioning India’s perceived inadequate response.
It is worth mentioning that such an indifferent and, in some cases, ignorant attitude demeans India’s proactive actions. The successful Operation Kaveri, which saw the evacuation of over 3,000 Indians from Sudan, received little attention. A case in point is India’s recent hosting of the G20 summit. In its rare opportunity to host the event, India actively collaborated with the Global South, advocating for the inclusion of the African Union as a G20 member. However, those viewing the world through ideological lenses dismiss these accomplishments as irrelevant and inadequate.
Ultimately, the glaring hypocrisy surrounding human rights violations in Sudan highlights the selective attention and subdued responses of the intellectuals. When the discourse on human rights is swayed by political expediency rather than an unwavering commitment to justice, the very essence of the term is compromised. It is incumbent upon the global community to confront this hypocrisy and translate rhetoric into meaningful action to alleviate the profound suffering of the Sudanese people. Unfortunately, this disparity is particularly notable in India, where the intellectual class, often quick to criticise the government and institutions for human rights violations, appears indifferent to the plight of Sudan. Essentially, this underscores the need for readers to approach discussions on human rights with caution, as they may often be characterised by selectivity and lack of objectivity. The imperative lies in fostering a more just and compassionate world where humanity takes precedence over political considerations.
Originally Published: 26th November'2023
Posted on SIS Blog with the Authorisation of the Author.
Prof. (Dr.) Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is Vice Chancellor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.