A citizens’ manifesto calling upon political parties to commit to addressing the “democratic deficit” in the country was released online on Friday.

The Citizen’s Human Rights Manifesto (CHRM) for India 2024, compiled by the NGO Citizens for Justice & Peace and the Maharashtra unit of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), was released by former Madras High Court judge D. Hariparanthaman.

The manifesto, endorsed by the CPM and the AAP, urges parties “to commit in a clear and documented way to rectifying the democratic deficit, de-criminalising laws, and de-toxifying the social stratosphere”.

The demands include the protection of 14 rights that cover constitutional rights and universally recognised human rights — from free speech to education, legal aid and clean environment. It also asks parties to repeal a long list of laws.

The manifesto states: “As human rights groups and individuals committed to a free and just India, we also demand that Governments abide by the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Protect Universally Recognised Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.”

It also demands that governments “explicitly recognise the right of everyone to protect and promote human rights and publicly support the important action of defenders, acknowledging their contribution to the advancement of peace, justice, equality, dignity, good governance and sustainable development”.