Statement by India under Agenda Item 3, Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, at the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council (24 February -4 April 2025) delivered by Mr. Mohammed Hussain K.S., Counsellor & Legal Adviser, Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, Geneva, on 21 March 2025

Madam Vice President,

1. We have taken note of the Report of the Special Rapporteur.

2. India is steadfast in empowering linguistic and religious minority communities and in creating an enabling environment that strengthens the multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious character of our nation.

3. The Constitution of India provides for certain rights that are specific to minorities and protect their identity. Linguistic minorities are protected under the Constitution with special provisions to promote the right to conserve “distinct language, script or culture”. All minorities, whether based on religion or language, have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their own choice, as well as the medium of instruction in these institutions.

4. India has a dedicated Ministry of Minority Affairs as well as a National Commission for Minorities, both of which work towards a more focused approach to addressing issues related to religious minority communities and safguarding their interests.

Madam Vice President,

5. At the heart of our democratic ethos lies a commitment to upholding the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, or any of them. The Constitution of India stands as a guarding of this commitment, guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms, devoid of discrimination.

Thank you