U.N. urges India to tackle hate crimes against Bengali Muslims
India must do more to protect minority and tribal communities, disadvantaged castes and other vulnerable groups from extrajudicial killings, torture and police violence, a U.N. watchdog said Tuesday.
The U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, or CERD, also urged India to urgently address hate speech and hate crimes targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims, as well as Rohingya, migrants and asylum-seekers.
The committee said it was gravely concerned by reports of violations by law enforcement officials against ethnic and ethno-religious groups, Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, particularly Dalits.
Reported abuses included racially motivated violence, excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and prolonged detention, torture, ill-treatment and sexual violence, the committee said.
Concerns over profiling and deportations
CERD said it had noted an increase in law enforcement operations targeting Rohingya, Bengali-speaking Muslims, migrants and asylum-seekers.
It said police stops and identity checks allegedly involving racial profiling had led to arbitrary arrests and detention without due process, as well as reports of torture and mistreatment.
The committee also expressed concern over deportations and forced returns of people in need of international protection.
It called on India to investigate allegations of abuse, hold those responsible accountable and protect vulnerable groups from discrimination and collective expulsions.
Caste discrimination remains a concern
The committee also highlighted caste-based discrimination in India, where social status continues to influence access to resources, education and economic opportunities.
According to AFP, CERD is made up of 18 independent rights experts and monitors countries' compliance with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
India appeared before the committee earlier this month for the first time since 2007, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta leading its delegation.
India defends its record
India's mission said its delegation had highlighted the country's pluralism, diversity and constitutional and legal safeguards during the review.
It said India remained committed to ensuring equality, dignity and opportunity for all its citizens.
CERD's recommendations are non-binding, but its findings can carry significant international and reputational weight.
