UN panel urges India to strengthen safeguards for tribal groups and marginalized castes

In its recent review, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination expressed grave concern over large-scale violations by Indian police against ethnic and ethno-religious minorities, including tribal peoples, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and non-citizens. The panel listed extrajudicial killings, torture, excessive force, arbitrary detention and sexual violence as specific abuses. It also noted an increase in operations that target Rohingya, Bengali-speaking Muslims, migrants and asylum seekers, resulting in racial profiling, arrests without due process and forced returns.

The committee urged India to investigate all allegations, bring perpetrators to justice, and halt collective expulsions and hate-speech. India’s mission, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, highlighted the nation’s pluralism, legal framework and commitment to equality. Although CERD’s recommendations are non-binding, they carry significant reputational weight for the world’s most populous country.