Photo: ANI
Geneva: The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has raised serious concerns over alleged large-scale violations by law enforcement authorities against ethnic and ethno-religious communities, Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, particularly Dalits, and non-citizens in India.
In its findings released after reviewing India, Finland, Honduras and Kuwait, the committee said reported violations included racially motivated violence, excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and prolonged detention, torture, ill-treatment and sexual violence.
CERD urged Indian authorities to ensure that allegations of such abuses are investigated promptly, thoroughly and impartially, and that those found responsible are held accountable, according to a report on un.org.
The committee also expressed concern over an increase in law enforcement operations targeting Rohingya, Bengali-speaking Muslims, migrants and asylum-seekers, particularly following a 2017 Home Affairs order and the April 2025 Pahalgam attack in Kashmir.
It said reports of police stops and identity checks based on racial profiling had allegedly resulted in arbitrary arrests and detention without due process, as well as torture and other forms of ill-treatment.
CERD further raised concerns over the deportation and forcible return of individuals seeking international protection, saying such actions could violate the principle of non-refoulement.
The committee called on India to urgently address alleged discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes targeting Rohingya, Bengali-speaking Muslims, migrants and asylum-seekers.
It also urged the government to safeguard their rights, avoid collective expulsions and ensure access to international protection in accordance with the principle of non-refoulement.