India faces criticism from UN discrimination watchdog

What the report says

A United Nations anti-discrimination body has criticized India over reported abuses affecting tribal communities, disadvantaged castes and some religious and migrant groups. In findings released on Tuesday, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination said authorities should do more to prevent and investigate violence, including alleged extrajudicial killings, torture, ill-treatment and sexual violence linked to law enforcement. The committee also said India needs to better protect Bengali-speaking Muslims from hate crimes.

The panel said it was concerned about reports of widespread violations involving Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, Scheduled Castes, particularly Dalits, and non-citizens. It cited claims of racially motivated violence, excessive force, prolonged detention without due process and racial profiling during police stops and identity checks. The committee also raised alarms about reported deportations and forced returns of people who may need international protection.

CERD’s review came after India appeared before the committee earlier this month, its first appearance since 2007, according to Al Jazeera’s report. The committee’s recommendations are non-binding, but they can carry political and reputational weight. India’s mission said the delegation emphasized the country’s constitutional safeguards, diversity and commitment to equality. More broadly, the case highlights continuing concerns about caste discrimination, communal tensions and treatment of vulnerable communities in India.