India is facing criticism from the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) over alleged discrimination and violence affecting several vulnerable groups.
The UN committee said it was seriously concerned about reports of excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, torture and other abuses involving Indigenous and tribal peoples, Dalits, ethnic and religious minorities, and non-citizens.
The committee also called on India to urgently address hate crimes and discrimination against Bengali-speaking Muslims, Rohingya, migrants and asylum seekers. It raised concerns that racial profiling during police checks could lead to arbitrary arrests and detention.
CERD urged Indian authorities to investigate allegations of abuse thoroughly and impartially, hold those responsible accountable, protect vulnerable communities and avoid the collective expulsion of people who require international protection.
India's delegation defended the country's constitutional and legal safeguards, highlighting its pluralism and diversity during the review. CERD's recommendations are not legally binding, but they carry significant international and reputational weight.