NEW DELHI, Aug 26: India on Wednesday strongly rejected observations made by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), describing references in its report as “politically motivated” and “highly malicious”.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the observations followed 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 India participated in the review process in a spirit of constructive engagement and reaffirmed its commitment to combating racial discrimination.
During the review, the Indian delegation highlighted the country’s constitutional safeguards, legal framework, pluralistic character and various measures aimed at protecting disadvantaged communities.
The ministry said the delegation, led by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, had already rejected what it termed sweeping generalisations, unsubstantiated allegations and attempts 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 said.
The UN committee had raised concerns over alleged violations by law enforcement agencies against ethnic and ethno-religious groups, Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, including Dalits, and non-citizens.
The MEA said India would respond to the committee’s observations through the established procedure.
The Permanent Mission of India in Geneva said the delegation had emphasised the country’s diversity, democratic institutions, affirmative action, judicial remedies and targeted policies aimed at ensuring equality, dignity and opportunities for all citizens.
India has also remained engaged with the global human rights framework and was involved in the negotiation and drafting of the ICERD during the 1960s, the statement said.
