The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a key element of India’s right-wing Hindu fundamentalist movement, has applied for for General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

This paper contends that the VHP is not eligible for ECOSOC status. The organisation has been instrumental in instigating and carrying out violent attacks, destruction of property and religious monuments, forced conversions and other activities targeted against Muslim and Christians minority groups. Its actions violate a number of domestic and international laws. It does not fulfil the principles and spirit of the UN Charter upon which ECOSOC’s work is founded. SAHRDC suggests that ECOSOC consider the severity of these violations when it reviews the VHP’s application.

The report presents the history and philosophy of VHP; provides an account of violence committed against Muslims and Christians; and explains the roots of the Hindu fundamentalist movement and the methods utilised by the VHP to further its agenda.