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 the 52nd Session of Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 30th March 2023 Statement by India under Agenda Item 9: General debate on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia ..
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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 the 52nd Session of Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 30th March 2023

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 the 52nd Session of Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India,

Geneva, 30th March 2023

Madam Vice President,

India has always regarded racism and racial discrimination as the antithesis of everything humanity stands for - equality, justice, peace and progress. It is a negation of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

  1. As a country that was under colonial rule for nearly two centuries, India is painfully aware of the detrimental impact of racism and racial discrimination on the society.
  1. To safeguard against recurrence of such abhorrent practices, the Constitution of India upholds the principle of equality and expressly prohibits discrimination on account of race. These constitutional provisions are embodied in our legal frameworks including criminal law, and are safeguarded by the independent judiciary, human rights institutions, active civil society and free media.

Madam Vice President,

  1. We firmly believe that the DDPA continues to provide a comprehensive framework for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in their contemporary manifestations.
  1. There is increased recognition of the inter-linkages between combating these challenges and securing the full implementation of SDGs. This has further enhanced the relevance of the DDPA in today’s context.
  1. In an interconnected world, social media has emerged as a platform for amplifying racial hatred and discriminatory ideas that were otherwise fringe opinions. This trend, if unchecked, can challenge social cohesion. The High Commissioner’s report acknowledges that the Supreme Court of India directed the police authorities to take suo motu cognizance of hate speech.

Madam Vice President,

  1. States must intensify efforts to prevent and combat racial hatred and discrimination, taking into consideration the balance between safeguarding freedom of expression and advocacy of hatred leading to racial discrimination and violence. Partnerships with private sector and civil society are critical in this regard.
  1. In conclusion, we reaffirm our firm commitment to eliminate racism and racial discrimination in all its forms and manifestations.

I thank you, Madam Vice President.