Geneva, 20 December 2016 (OMCT) - Henri Tiphagne’s commitment to human rights originates from his mother’s work with the poorest of the poor and the most excluded, at that time leprosy patients. His fight against injustice has since remained unwavering despite challenging times for human rights and their defenders.

As the founder and Executive Director of People’s Watch, the first organization dedicated to monitoring human rights violations by the State in India, Henri Tiphagne has been supporting victims of State violence and advocating relentlessly against torture and discrimination in India for more than 20 years.

The world’s largest democracy?

One of the greatest difficulties activists face in the world’s largest democracy “lies in the fact that State institutions that should be protecting human rights refuse to perform, particularly when it comes to the rights of the poor”, Mr. Tiphagne said.

A fervent advocate of the rule of law and democracy, he still believes in the key role of State institutions as the bulwark against violence that could be seen by some as the only way forward to achieve human rights. “State institutions must be strengthened and made to work”, Mr. Tiphagne stated. “Our work is to protect justice institutions, to protect the core of the Constitution and to protect the existence of national and State institutions”, with the hope they become more independent and accountable.

Stifling critical voices

In the past year, he and his organization have in turn come under increased pressure for holding the Government to account.

Like many other human rights organizations in India, People’s Watch can no longer receive foreign funding after the Ministry of Home Affairs decided in October 2016 not to renew its license under the Foreign Contributions (Regulations) Act (FCRA). Such a move seriously undermines the work of the organization on behalf of victims of State violence.

Inspired by others to keep up the fight

Despite challenges, Mr. Tiphagne remains optimistic. “My strength is drawn from successes I have seen across the world”, he said. “Fifteen years ago, poverty was not seen as a human rights violation, the right to development was not recognized as a right; ten years ago, the rights of LGBT people were not spoken of.” He sees these as good reasons for all human rights defenders across the world to keep hope for the future and stay strong.

Seeing that there are many others who dedicate their lives to human rights in all parts of the world, and too often giving them to the cause, inspires him to continue his work. “Their unfailing commitment has sown the seeds for a new generation of rights to grow”, Mr. Tiphagne said.

Mr. Tiphagne also draws inspiration, and pride in his work, from his engagement with the youth of his country so that they in turn stand up to uphold the rights of others. His organization actively supports human rights education with the aim to build a society free from human rights violations and discrimination.

“The greatest legacy that a human rights defender can, and should, leave behind is the education of a new generation,” he said. “I think the most precious thing that we can do as a human rights defender is to engage with and create a vanguard within the younger generation.”

This article is part of a series of 10 profiles to commemorate International Human Rights Day, 10 December, and to recognize the vital role of human rights defenders worldwide.