Statement by India under Agenda Item 9 : Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Racism in the 41stSession of the Human Rights Council ( 24 June – 12 July 2019), delivered by Mr. Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 08 July 2019) Statement by India under Agenda Item 9 : Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Racism ..
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Statement by India under Agenda Item 9 : Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Racism in the 41stSession of the Human Rights Council ( 24 June – 12 July 2019), delivered by Mr. Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 08 July 2019)

Statement by India under Agenda Item 9 : Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Racism in the 41stSession of the Human Rights Council ( 24 June – 12 July 2019), delivered by Mr. Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 08th July 2019)

Madam Vice President,

 India regards racism and racial discrimination as the anti-thesis of everything humanity stands for-equality, justice, peace and progress. Conscious of the destructive impact that racism and racial discrimination can have on society, the founding fathers of the Indian Constitution built adequate safeguards against racism and racial discrimination and enshrined the basic value of equality in it.

 2. It is unfortunate that even in the present day and age, the attitudes and thought processes of the bygone era continue to foment racial hatred, xenophobia and segregation perpetuating divisions among states and societies within a state. The onslaught of bigotry, chauvinism and violence on diversity, pluralism and tolerance; absence of democracy, constitutional order and rule of law based on race related hatred and discrimination have continued. Modern communication technologies, including the Internet, are becoming increasingly vulnerable to misuse by the purveyors of racial hatred. Stark and persisting economic inequality is providing the grist for the racist mill.

 3. Countering racist remains a matter of priority for India. Promulgation of appropriate laws and their strict implementation and more importantly, ensuring attitudinal changes and inculcation of tolerance through appropriate educational strategies would provide the surest guarantee against racial prejudice, discrimination and xenophobia. We need to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the international legal framework that is in place to address contemporary forms of racism. We should also not overlook the stark and persistent economic inequalities worldwide.

 4. In conclusion, we are convinced that the Convention obligations along with Durban Declaration and Programme of Action must be pursued to the fullest extent to eradicate all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.


Thank You