Brussels, 20th March 2019
Visit of Jan Figel to India and debriefing with Indian Ambassador in Brussels
9th-12th of February 2019
Jan Figel attended from the 4th to 7 February 2019 two academic conferences in Bangalore and
Mumbai. He then extended his visit to New Delhi from 7-9 February 2019 (see agenda in annex)
where he held bilateral meetings with the
Ministry of State for Minority Affairs and with
of the National Commission for Minorities. Official meetings on a higher level
(Minister or MoS) were not possible as these officials were out of Delhi.
Jan Figel visited places of worship and met with representatives of a number of religions and
denominations including Hindu, Muslim, Catholic, Evangelical, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain faiths and
with a representative of a Humanist organisation (IHEU). He also met a delegation of the
Zoroastrians and representatives of the office of the Dalai Lama. He debriefed Ambassadors and
Political Counsellors of EU Member State Representations.
Civil society and religious communities warmly welcomed the visit of the Special Envoy as this was a
first in terms of an official EU visit dealing with Freedom of Religion or Belief.
The Special Envoy recommends to keep the dialogue running with authorities in India but also in
Brussels, around FoRB for all.
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The EU should consider to offer support to interreligious
initiatives and dialogue, should seek avenues to engage with the police and contribute to develop
capacity. Culture, youth and education are other areas where EU should invest to spread messages
of respect and tolerance. Cooperation with the academia is another promising area, engaging
teachers and the youth.
Details
National Commission for Minorities
The Commission is fully independent body and is itself
multi-religious. The members are appointed by the government. Normally a decision by the
Commission is final as they have “quasi-judicial” powers; however, if the grieving parties
don’t comply, then it is referred to the courts. 18 States have constituted their own
Commissions for Minorities.
On the affirmative actions, the following points were made. In India 250 million people are
considered minorities, the majority are Muslims. Among them very good results are registered in
education. The drop out rate fell from 78% percent down to 32% . Muslim girls are encouraged to
be educated and they do succeed. Muslims occupy an increasing number of posts in the Indian
Administrative services. In India there is good mutual understanding between the communities.
, Ministry of Minority Affairs
The Ministry of Minorities deals with the
welfare of the minorities and therefore focuses on education, livelihood, health, infrastructure etc .
Special attention is put on women. The policy line is to "bring uniformity if there are disparities".
The Cabinet Minister of this Ministry is also from a minority community. This Ministry consults with
the respective communities prior to framing policies. It prepares welfare schemes (targeting hostels,
hospitals, schools, skill centres etc). Communities are encouraged to approach this Ministry to
dialogue and share their concerns. For the tribal community there is a separate Ministry handling
their affairs.
Meeting with Bishop
and other representatives of the Catholic Bishop Conference of
India). The conversation took place under Chatham House Rules
.
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Meeting with
, International Humanist Federation.
Meeting civil society representatives - EU Residence
of ActionAid India.
of Multiple Action Research Group (MARG).
of All India Christian Council (AICC).
,
of Asian Centre for Human Rights.
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of Alliance Defending Freedom.
of the United Christian Forum for Human Rights.
,
of Indian Social Institute.
of the UN Resident Coordinator's Office.
of The Third Pole.
of the Human Rights Law Network.
from the United Sikhs.
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After listening to all the representatives, EU Special Envoy Figel highlighted the importance of
ensuring the rule of law and guaranteeing justice to all people. He pointed out that all citizens should
be treated as equal, in order to promote the participation of all, and the assimilation of none. In this
sense, talking about communities instead of minorities could be a much more constructive
approach. In front of a rise in radicalisation, allies become even more important: and India can count
on the EU in this and other issues.
Discussion with EU Heads of Missions. J. Figel presented his mandate and his first assessment of
the situation. There was agreement that the trends are negative and the number of small incidents
is growing. Working with the Police – addressing their capacity to prevent and react - seemed an
interesting entry point, noting that this was also part of the recommendations of the last Report of
the EP Intergroup on FoRB.
Meeting with representatives of the Zoroastrians (Parsi).
Meeting with Imam
and his advisors.
Visit to a Jain temple and meeting with Jain leaders. A very articulated ceremony was organized to
welcome the SE. Jain defined themselves as a ultra-minority, and presented the key elements of
their ancient religion, noting that you cannot understand Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity without
understanding Jainism.
Meeting with Rev.
of the Evangelical Fellowship of India.
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Meeting with
, professor and author. A promising exchange took place with this
brilliant academic of Muslim affiliation, well know internationally .
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