India rebuked by UN watchdog over police abuse claims

A United Nations discrimination watchdog said Tuesday that India must better protect tribal peoples, disadvantaged castes and other groups from alleged extrajudicial killings, torture and violence by law enforcement.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination said it was gravely concerned by reports of large-scale violations against ethnic and ethno-religious groups, Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Dalits and non-citizens.

The committee said the reported abuses included racially motivated violence, excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and prolonged detention without due process, torture, ill-treatment and sexual violence. It called on India to investigate all allegations and bring those responsible to justice.

CERD also said India urgently needed to address hate crimes against Bengali-speaking Muslims. It highlighted an increase in law enforcement operations targeting Rohingya, Bengali-speaking Muslims, migrants and asylum-seekers, and said police stops and identity checks involving racial profiling had reportedly led to arbitrary arrest, detention, torture and mistreatment.

The committee also voiced concern about deportations and forced returns of people needing international protection. It urged India to address discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes against such groups, protect their rights and refrain from collective expulsions.

India appeared before CERD earlier this month for its first review since 2007. India's mission said its delegation highlighted the country's pluralism, diversity, scale and complexity, as well as its constitutional and legal safeguards, while working toward equality, dignity and opportunity for all Indians.

CERD is made up of 18 independent rights experts and monitors adherence to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Its recommendations are non-binding but carry reputational weight.