The rights of dead persons and the right to water in India on the occasion of COVID-19

by Nabil Iqbal and  Mohd Altmash

Source: Gettyimages

Amid the spike of COVID-19 cases in India during the second wave of the pandemic, various Indian media (see f.e. The Hindu and Indian Express) reported the visuals of uncounted human dead bodies floating in the river in the state of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. These reports received worldwide coverage and the India’s government was criticized for failing to dispose of bodies respectfully. On 14 May 2021 the National Human Right Commission of India issued a notice to  Central and State Governments advocating for the rights of the deceased and directed them to prepare a standard operating procedure for the proper burial of COVID-related deceased in order to maintain their dignity. More...