U.N. committee expresses “grave concern” over rights violations against SCs, STs, Rohingya refugees
The committee calls on India to “urgently address discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes” and “ensure accountability” for these violations
The U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) expressed "grave concern" over reports of human rights violations against marginalized groups in India, including scheduled tribes, scheduled castes, Dalits, and Rohingya refugees. In a press statement, the committee urged urgent action to address the surge in "hate speech" and "hate crimes" in the country.
The committee cited a rise in incidents targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims and demanded that the Indian government ensure accountability for these violations. They were particularly alarmed by the use of "racially motivated violence, excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and prolonged detention without due process, torture, ill-treatment, and sexual violence" against these communities.
The UN panel highlighted the use of police check posts for racial profiling, which led to "arbitrary arrest and detention without due process." They urged India to promptly, thoroughly, and impartially investigate all allegations and hold those responsible accountable. The committee also warned against collective expulsions and emphasized the need for India to grant international protection in line with the principle of non-refoulement.
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