New Delhi [India], August 26 (ANI): India on Wednesday rejected observations made by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), describing references concerning the country as “politically motivated” and “highly malicious.”
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it had taken note of the remarks issued by CERD following India’s 11th periodic review under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), held in Geneva on August 11-12.
The MEA said the exercise was a routine treaty-body review in which India participated in a spirit of constructive engagement. It stressed that India’s commitment to combating racial discrimination remains firm and unwavering.
During the review, India highlighted its constitutional safeguards, comprehensive legal framework, pluralistic ethos and continuing efforts to protect disadvantaged communities.
“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 said.
“India rejects any politically motivated highly malicious references in the report with all the contempt that it deserves,” the ministry added.
The MEA’s response came after CERD raised concerns over reports alleging “large-scale violations” by law enforcement personnel against ethnic and ethno-religious populations, Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, including Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, particularly Dalits, as well as non-citizens.
CERD is an independent expert body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination among its States parties.
The recent review, conducted on August 11-12, covered India’s combined periodic reports submitted to CERD in 2023. Discussions addressed issues including the administrative framework for implementing ICERD, progress among marginalized groups and policy measures aimed at combating prejudice and intolerance, according to a statement by the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva.
“The Indian delegation highlighted our pluralism; diversity; scale and complexity; constitutional and legal framework and safeguards; affirmative actions, democratic accountability; judicial remedies; targeted public policy; and sustained socio-economic development, as we continue our journey towards ensuring equality, dignity and opportunity for all Indians,” the official statement said.
The review reflected India’s continued engagement with the international human rights framework and its efforts to protect and promote the fundamental rights of its citizens.
India was actively involved in negotiating and drafting ICERD during the 1960s, amid broader efforts by developing countries to oppose colonialism, apartheid and racial discrimination. (ANI)
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