Recently I’ve received the message below. It seems hard times ahead for Indian conservationist NGOs. 🙁  I wish we could help.

Dear Janos,

I have just been informed that the Greenpeace India society status has been cancelled – and we’ve been told to pass a resolution to wind our operations up.

This is another attack on your rights of freedom of speech. And as someone who has supported our campaign for the right to dissent in a democracy – we need your support now more than ever.

Sign the petition to Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General

India is the world’s largest democracy but the right of Indians to speak out is under threat. Civil society organisations like INSAF, the Sabrang Trust, Citizens for Justice and Peace, People’s Watch and Greenpeace India are all under attack in a government clampdown.

The cancellation of our society status is the most serious attempt to close us down yet. We will challenge this order in the courts. But we also need to tell the world what is happening in India.

In one month’s time on Human Rights Day (10th December), Greenpeace India will deliver your messages to the United Nations. We don’t have much time so please;

Ask Ban Ki-moon to lend his voice in support of free speech and civil society in India

For more than 15 years, Greenpeace India has been working alongside like-minded groups, to ensure that Indian citizens like you and I, have access to clean energy, food, air and water. But now, perhaps because of our successful campaigns, the Ministry of Home Affairs is trying to close us down.

But if enough of us raise our voices, if we tell our friends, and share the news on social media, then together we can make a stand for civil society and democracy in India.

Please sign the petition to Ban Ki-moon.

Thank you for your support; it is what gives me hope

Priya Pillai
Greenpeace India