South Asia

Afghanistan | Bangladesh | Bhutan | India | Maldives | Nepal | Pakistan | Sri Lanka

Key issues across South Asia include the denial of civil and political rights, armed conflict, 'war on terror', violence against women, poverty, impunity, freedom of expression, human rights defenders and the death penalty.

Large pockets of repression remain in which violations of the right to life and to freedom of expression are widespread. Grave human rights violations continue as armed conflict rages in northeast India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Even where opposing sides are pursuing attempts at conflict resolution, such as in India and Pakistan in relation to Jammu and Kashmir, or the Government and Tamil Tigers in northeastern Sri Lanka, there are frequent human rights abuses, including by armed political groups.

The 'war on terror' continues to take lives, and to provide excuses for other human rights abuses. Additional risks to human security arise from nuclear threats, the unrelenting arms race and widespread deprivation. Women, children, indigenous people, minority groups, migrants and displaced people face impoverishment, discrimination and the politicisation of aid.

Read more about the countries in this region in our 2013 Annual Report