UN panel flags violence, discrimination against Dalits, tribal groups, Bengali-speaking Muslims in India
A United Nations watchdog has said India must do more to protect tribal communities and disadvantaged castes from extrajudicial killings, torture and violence by law enforcement, and urgently address hate crimes against Bengali-speaking Muslims.
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) released its findings on Tuesday after reviewing India for the first time since 2007. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta led the Indian delegation at the review, held in Geneva earlier this month.
The committee said it was "gravely concerned" about reports of large-scale violations by law enforcement officials against ethnic and religious minorities, Indigenous and tribal peoples including Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, particularly Dalits, and refugees and migrants living in India. It cited racially motivated violence, excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and prolonged detention, torture and sexual violence, and called for prompt investigations and accountability.
CERD also flagged a rise in law enforcement operations against Rohingya refugees, Bengali-speaking Muslims, migrants and asylum seekers, including intensified action after the April 2025 Pahalgam attack. It said racial profiling during police stops and identity checks had reportedly led to arbitrary arrests, detention, torture and mistreatment.
The committee raised concerns over deportations and forced returns of people needing international protection, urging India to refrain from collective expulsions and ensure access to protection.
India was called on to "urgently address discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes" against these groups and protect their rights.
Under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which came into force in 1969, signatory states must eliminate racial discrimination, eradicate segregation and guarantee equality before the law. CERD's findings are non-binding but carry reputational weight.