Statement by India under Agenda Item 9 : General Debate on Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action at 51st Session of Human Rights Council (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva

(3 October, 2022)

Mr. President,

  Any kind of racism goes against the basic tenets of Indian Civilization which considers the whole world as one family and has advocated welfare of entire humanity.

  2. Respect for and celebration of diversity has been the guiding principle of multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual India.

  3. Our Constitution upholds the principle of equality and expressly prohibits discrimination on account of race and any other ground. These constitutional provisions are embodied in our legal framework including criminal law, and are safeguarded by the judiciary, human rights institutions, civil society and media.

Mr. President,

  4. Despite the efforts made in combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerances, these pernicious ills continue to persist in different forms and manifestations today.

  5. The COVID-19 pandemic has further aggravated these divisions and existing inequalities and reinforced racial discrimination.

  6. We need comprehensive legal and administrative responses to counter these emerging challenges. We must hold the perpetrators accountable, build awareness among people, train law enforcement officials, and monitor and review efficacy of various measures.

  7. Complementary domestic action and international cooperation is necessary to effectively to implement the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action to realize inclusive growth envisaged in 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which leaves ‘no one behind’.

I thank you.

265 words/2 minutes 30 seconds