Statement by India for the Agenda Item 3 Panel Discussion on countering religious hatred constituting incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, at the 55th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council (26 Feb - 5 Apr 2024) on 8 March 2024
Mr. President,
- India rejects firmly and unequivocally all forms of religious intolerance and all acts of religious hatred, discrimination and violence.
- India is a multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-cultural nation. We, in India, celebrate our diversity, as reflected in our abiding respect for all religions and cultures. The Constitution of India guarantees to all citizens, as a fundamental right, the freedom of conscience and the freedom to profess, practice and propagate religion.
- Our civilizational ethos of ‘equal respect for all religions and peaceful co-existence of all religions’ has been one of the foundational tenets of India’s secular polity and society.
- It is regrettable that there has been an increase in prevalence of phobias against followers of various religions. In several regions of the world, we have witnessed defacement and destruction of temples and idols, violation of Sikh gurudwarapremises, and numerous other acts of religious intolerance. There is a need for the international community to recognize the instances of intolerance, prejudice, phobia and violence against followers of all religions and work together to eliminate them.
Mr. President,
- India’s civilizational ethos has been of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,that is “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
I thank you.
