Statement by India during Urgent Debate on the current racially inspired human rights violations, systemic racism, police brutality and the violence against peaceful protest in the Resumed 43rd Session of the Human Rights Council (15-19 June 2020), delivered by Ambassador Rajiv K. Chander, Permanent Representative of India (Geneva, 17 June 2020)

Madam President,

My delegation thanks the African Group for highlighting this issue before the Council. We join other delegations in firmly and unequivocally rejecting all forms of racism and all acts of racially-motivated discrimination and violence.

Madam President,

2. Our commitment to combat racism and racial discrimination predates our emergence as an independent State. From highlighting the evil of Apartheid at the United Nations in 1946, to the establishment forty years later of the AFRICA Fund we have opposed the dehumanizing effect of imperialism, colonialism and racial discrimination. We joined other emerging nations in the struggle against these scourges of our times, participating fully in the World Conference Against Racism held in 2001 in Durban, South Africa.

Madam President,

3. Mahatma Gandhi exhorted us to “be the change we wish to see in the world”. And so our Constitution was among the first to stand against racial discrimination. Our Constitution has enhanced our resolve to always stand with the cause of equality, justice and non-racialism.

4. Regrettably, even though the high tide of imperialism and colonialism have ebbed, and even though our world is smaller, closer and more coherent than ever before, we are still not free from the old habits of discrimination, prejudice and hostility. People still labour under the weight of ingrained discrimination, which imposes economic and social costs, and treats some of humanity as less worthy. Racists still find space for their abhorrent views. In the 21^st century, it is a matter of outrage that there is still resistance to such change.

Madam President,

5. Creating a more fair, more equitable and gentler society of the future remains the lodestar of social progress. We stand with every right thinking country in the world in acting locally, regionally and globally to truly eliminate racial discrimination—by anyone against anyone. The effective implementation of the Outcome document of the Durban Review Conference on DDPA is one important step toward combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Indeed, its objectives must be implemented in law and in practice.

6. But it is not all. We must all take robust and comprehensive steps—both as Governments and as individuals, to raise awareness of diversity, and to show zero tolerance of racism. And we must not hesitate to take strict action against those who incite and perpetrate racially-motivated violence.

Madam President,

7. I assure you of India’s steadfast commitment to eliminating the scourge of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

I thank you, Madam President.