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 55th Session of Human Rights Council (26 February–5 April 2024) delivered by Dr. PR Thulasidass, Under Secretary,

 Geneva, 28 March 2023

Mr.  Vice-President,

1. Indian delegation takes note of the Report of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action; and the Report of the High Commissioner on combating intolerance and discrimination against persons based on religion or belief.

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

Mr. Vice-President,

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. However, 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.

Mr. Vice-President,

8. There is a need for the international community to recognize the instances of intolerance, prejudice, phobia and violence against the followers of all religions and work together to eliminate them. India’s civilizational ethos has been of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means “the world is one family”. This can be a basis for all countries to work together for elimination of religious hatred and intolerance, and building a culture of equal respect for all religions.

9. In conclusion, we reaffirm our firm commitment to eliminate racism and racial discrimination in all its forms and manifestations.

I thank you.