India rejects ‘politically motivated, malicious references' in UN panel's rights report

Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, said India had participated in the review in a “spirit of constructive engagement”. India on Wednesday rejected what it called “politically motivated” and “highly malicious” references in a UN committee’s report on the country, saying the observations contained sweeping generalisations and unsubstantiated allegations.MEA said that India would respond to the committee’s observations through the established procedure. (ANI video grab)Responding to media queries on the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) press release following India’s 11th periodic review under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that India had participated in the review in a “spirit of constructive engagement” and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating racial discrimination.The statement added that India had highlighted its constitutional safeguards, legal framework, pluralism and efforts to protect disadvantaged communities during the review.The ministry of external affairs stressed that the inter-ministerial delegation led by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had already rejected the “sweeping generalisations, unsubstantiated allegations, or tendency to exceed the Convention’s mandate” during the review meeting.“India rejects any politically motivated highly malicious references in the report with all the contempt that it deserves."It added that India would respond to the committee’s observations through the established procedure. The Indian Mission in Geneva has also issued a detailed statement following the CERD review.Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read MoreIndiaGet the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather major national developments and Karnataka Bandh LIVE.