Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues at the 52nd Session of Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) delivered by Dr. P.R. Thulasidass, Under Secretary, Geneva, 23 March 2023
Madam Vice-President,
We reject the reference to India in the Report as unwarranted and factually incorrect.
- India is a multi-lingual, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society and we not only respect but celebrate our diversity. The Constitution of India provides for equality before law and equal protection of laws; prohibits discrimination against any citizen on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them; and recognises the right of minorities to conserve their distinct language and culture.
- When these rights guaranteed under the Constitution are violated, the aggrieved citizens or anyone on their behalf may approach the Supreme Court of India or the concerned High Court directly, as a matter of right, to seek remedies. In addition, the penal laws in India provide for punishment against discrimination or victimization of minorities.
- India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs and our fully functional institutions, such as the National Commission for Minorities, the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, the National Human Rights Commission and State Human Rights Commissions, ensure the welfare of minority communities.
Madam Vice-President,
- India stands committed to the principles enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons belonging to National or Ethnic minorities, Religious and Linguistic Minorities.
I thank you.
