New Delhi, on Wednesday, August 26, firmly rejected a United Nations report alleging racial discrimination within the country, branding the observations as 'politically motivated' and 'highly malicious'. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), through its spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, stated its strong disapproval of what it called 'sweeping generalisations' and 'unsubstantiated allegations' contained in the document.
The MEA acknowledged taking note of the report's findings, which were released by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) on Tuesday, August 25, following its review of India in Geneva from August 11 to 12. India affirmed its intention to formally respond to the committee's observations through established procedures.
During the review sessions in Geneva, an inter-ministerial delegation, led by Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, had already contested the report's broad generalisations, unsupported claims, and any perceived overreach of the convention's mandate. India had concurrently highlighted its robust constitutional safeguards, comprehensive legal framework, inherent pluralism, and ongoing efforts to protect disadvantaged communities.
The UNCERD report, detailing its review, specifically raised concerns over a significant increase in state-administered violence targeting Rohingya refugees, Dalits, and Bengali-speaking Muslims in India. It cited 'grave concern' over reports of extensive violations by law enforcement officials against various ethnic and ethno-religious groups, indigenous and tribal populations—including Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, particularly Dalits—as well as non-citizens and foreigners.
Furthermore, the UN body noted allegations that police identity checks, involving racial profiling after the 2025 Pahalgam attack, reportedly led to arbitrary arrest and detention, torture, and ill-treatment. The committee also expressed apprehension regarding the deportations and forcible returns of individuals requiring protection, deeming such actions a violation of international law. It urged India to promptly address these allegations and cease unlawful expulsions of migrants, Rohingyas, Bengali-speaking Muslims, and asylum-seekers.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Siasat Gulf