India Hits Back at UN Rights Panel Over ‘Malicious’ Allegations

India has rejected what it described as “politically motivated” and “highly malicious” references in a report by a United Nations committee on alleged racial discrimination in the country. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the observations contained sweeping generalisations and unsubstantiated allegations. It also said some of the remarks appeared to go beyond the committee’s mandate.

“India rejects any politically motivated highly malicious references in the report with all the contempt that it deserves."

The MEA issued the statement on Wednesday in response to media queries about a press release issued by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD). The committee had released its observations after reviewing India’s implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).

India took part in the review with what the MEA described as a “spirit of constructive engagement”. The ministry said India reaffirmed its commitment to fighting racial discrimination during the process. It also highlighted the country’s constitutional safeguards, legal framework, pluralism and measures to protect disadvantaged communities.

“During the review, we highlighted India’s constitutional safeguards, robust legal framework, pluralism and sustained efforts to protect disadvantaged communities.”

The MEA said the Indian delegation had already raised objections to several aspects of the committee’s observations during the review meeting. The inter-ministerial delegation was led by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. According to the ministry, the delegation rejected what it called sweeping generalisations, unsubstantiated allegations and an attempt to go beyond the scope of the convention.

"While we will respond to the Committee's observations through the established procedure, the inter-Ministerial delegation, which was led by the Solicitor General of India, Shri Tushar Mehta, had already rejected the sweeping generalisations, unsubstantiated allegations, or tendency to exceed the Convention's mandate during the review meeting," the MEA stated.

The ministry said India will respond to the committee’s observations through the established procedure. The Indian Mission in Geneva has also issued a detailed statement following the review by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The MEA’s response came after the UN committee raised concerns over reports of “large-scale violations” by law enforcement personnel. The concerns covered alleged violations involving ethnic and ethno-religious communities, Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, including Dalits. The committee also raised concerns regarding non-citizens.

The review took place on August 11 and 12. It covered India’s 12th and 21st combined periodic reports submitted to the committee in 2023. The discussions focused on the implementation of ICERD, progress among marginalised groups and steps taken to address prejudice and intolerance. News agency ANI reported the details based on a statement issued by the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva.

During the review, the Indian delegation presented India’s diversity and constitutional framework. It highlighted safeguards available under the Constitution, affirmative action policies and judicial remedies. The delegation also pointed to democratic accountability and public policies aimed at ensuring equality, dignity and opportunity for all citizens.

India also stressed its role in the development of the international framework against racial discrimination. The MEA said the country had played a leading role in negotiating and drafting ICERD during the 1960s.

The government maintained that India’s legal and constitutional framework provides safeguards against discrimination. It also pointed to its pluralistic character and various measures aimed at protecting disadvantaged sections of society.

The latest exchange comes after the UN committee’s review of India’s record under the racial discrimination convention. While the committee raised concerns over alleged discrimination and violations against several communities, India has rejected the observations that it considers sweeping or unsupported. The government said it will address the committee’s concerns through the established procedure while continuing its engagement with the UN mechanism.