Statement by India under Agenda Item 9: Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance during 56th Session of the Human Rights Council (18 June – 12 July 2024), delivered by Ms. Anupama Singh, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India to UN, Geneva, 8 July 2024

 Madam Vice President,

1.  We take note of the Report of the Special Rapporteur and its conclusions and recommendations.

2.  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. 

Madam Vice President,

3. We are surprised by the misleading observation about Indian law enforcement agencies in the SR’s Report, which appear to be based on biased and motivated inputs, and lack understanding of either the context or the details of the matter. We would urge greater objectivity in using such inputs.

4.  Respect for and celebration of diversity has been the guiding principle of multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual India. The Constitution of India guarantees the principle of equality and expressly prohibits discrimination on account of race. The constitutional provisions are embodied in our legal frameworks including penal and criminal laws, and are protected by our independent judiciary, human rights institutions, vibrant civil society and free active media.

Madam Vice President,

5.  In conclusion, our delegation would wish to reaffirm that the most definitive guarantee against racial prejudices and discrimination is nurturing of democracy and pluralism with the inculcation of the values of tolerance, understanding and respect for diversity.

Thank you.