New York: The Indian government's inability to protect women and children from rape and sexual violence undermines its commitment to uphold the rights of all Indians, Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday.
During 2013, the authorities also failed to enforce laws that protect vulnerable communities including Dalits, religious minorities and tribal groups, it said in its World Report 2014.
Government efforts to increase mass surveillance raised concerns over rights to privacy and free speech, it said.
In the 667-page world report, its 24th edition, Human Rights Watch reviewed human rights practices in more than 90 countries.
India has strong legislation to protect rights, Human Rights Watch said, but entrenched corruption and lack of accountability foster human rights violations.
The civil society groups, which play a crucial advocacy role in addressing these problems through protests and free expression, were increasingly at risk due to misused sedition laws and financial regulations.
