UN watchdog raises alarm over widespread rights violations against vulnerable groups in India
Flags extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, torture and racial profiling by police
Geneva: A United Nations watchdog has urged India to strengthen protections for tribal peoples, disadvantaged castes and other vulnerable groups facing extrajudicial killings, torture and violence by law enforcement officials.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) also called on India to urgently address discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims and other ethno-religious groups.
“The committee was gravely concerned about reports of large-scale violations perpetrated by law enforcement officials against ethnic and ethno-religious groups, Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, including Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, particularly Dalits, and non-citizens,” it said in a statement on its findings.
“These included racially motivated violence, excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and prolonged detention without due process, torture, ill-treatment and sexual violence.” CERD called on the Indian authorities to investigate all such allegations thoroughly and ensure those responsible were held accountable.
The committee, comprising 18 independent rights experts, monitors adherence to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination by its 182 member countries. Under the convention, countries must eliminate racial discrimination, eradicate practices of segregation and guarantee equality before the law.
India appeared for review before CERD earlier this month, for the first time since 2007, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta leading its delegation.
The committee highlighted an increase in law enforcement operations targeting Rohingya, Bengali-speaking Muslims, migrants and asylum-seekers.
It said police stops and identity checks involving racial profiling had reportedly resulted in arbitrary arrest and detention without due process, as well as torture and mistreatment.
CERD also voiced concerns about deportations and forced returns of people needing international protection. It urged India to “urgently address discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes” against such groups, protect their rights, and refrain from collective expulsions.
