NEW DELHI: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has reached out to UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, just one day before her visit to India, to express concerns regarding what it describes as “persistent atrocities” against religious minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh. In a letter dated April 27, VHP International President Alok Kumar highlighted instances of forced conversions, violence, and systemic discrimination against Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Christians, urging the United Nations to intervene urgently.
Kumar referred to findings by UN human rights experts, indicating that in Pakistan, approximately 75% of women and girls subjected to forced conversion through marriage were Hindu, while 25% were Christian, with nearly 80% of such incidents occurring in Sindh province. The letter emphasized that adolescent girls aged 14 to 18 are particularly vulnerable to coercion, abuse, and severe trauma, noting that authorities often dismiss complaints or fail to investigate adequately.
Turning to Bangladesh, the VHP cited reports submitted to the UN Human Rights Council, which documented 2,010 incidents of communal violence between August 4 and August 20, 2024, primarily targeting Hindus. Kumar also expressed concerns about the safety of indigenous communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.
In his letter, Kumar stated that the promises of equal rights for minorities made during Partition have “unfortunately… reversed,” and he alleged continued persecution. The VHP has called for an independent international investigation, the establishment of a victim protection mechanism, and accountability under international law. Copies of the letter were also sent to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
