Statement by India at the 37th Session of Human Rights Council (26 February-23 March 2018) on Agenda Item 9: Debate on Promoting Tolerance in the Context of Racial Discrimination, delivered by Dr. A. Sudhakara Reddy, Counsellor (Legal). [Geneva, 19 March 2018]

Mr. President,

We thank the panellists for their useful insights and observations on the theme ‘Promoting Tolerance in the Context of Racial Discrimination’ commemorating the international day for the elimination of racial discrimination.  India regards intolerance and racial discrimination as the anti-thesis of everything humanity stands for i.e., equality, justice, peace and progress.India is deeply concerned over the recurrence of racism, xenophobia, and exclusivism in the world in the last few years.

2.  The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD); the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights; and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, as well as other international instruments provide a comprehensive legal framework to combat racial discrimination and intolerance. The rise of religious fundamentalism hasresulted in several negative consequences that constitute serious violations of human rights for the targeted individuals and groups.  

Mr. President,

3.  In the changing scenario, the Agenda 2030 of the Sustainable Development Goals is worth recalling to achieve ‘a world of universal respect based on equality and non-discrimination’.  To foster inclusive development and guarantee the respect for human rights in situations of growing mistrust and hatred climate, the framework of Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) need to be implemented in true letter and spirit.

4.  It is unfortunate that rise of extremism and fundamentalismhas led to the rise of racial hatred and segregation. This has created deep divisions in many countries and increase in the number of racist incidents in the recent past. Such acts continue to have a negative impact on the full enjoyment of human rights. In this context, Panelists may explain how to promote tolerance and respect unity in diversity in situations of injustice, violence and marginalization of the targeted individuals and groups based on race and religion.

I, Thank you.