UN panel 'gravely concerned' over India rights record on Dalits, tribals, Rohingya

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) has said it is “gravely concerned” about reports of human rights violations against Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes (particularly Dalits) and Rohingya refugees in India. In a press note issued after its periodic review, the committee called on the Government of India to ensure accountability for these alleged violations.

UNCERD is a treaty body of independent experts responsible for monitoring the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. India is a state party to this convention, which obligates it to pursue a policy of eliminating racial discrimination and promoting understanding among all races. The committee conducts periodic reviews of state parties, examining reports submitted by governments and information from civil society.

The convention defines racial discrimination as any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin that has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The groups highlighted in the committee's statement are among those protected under Indian law and international conventions. Scheduled Castes, including Dalits, and Scheduled Tribes are recognized in the Indian Constitution as groups entitled to affirmative action and protection from discrimination. Rohingya refugees, who have fled persecution in Myanmar, are a stateless Muslim minority and have been living in various parts of India, often in informal settlements.

The committee said it received reports describing “large-scale violations perpetrated by law enforcement officials” against these communities. The alleged violations include “racially motivated violence, excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and prolonged detention without due process, torture, ill-treatment and sexual violence,” according to the press note. The committee did not specify individual cases but indicated that the reports point to systemic patterns.

The panel also expressed concern over an increase in hate speech and hate crimes, particularly directed at Bengali-speaking Muslims. It urged India to take urgent action to address these incidents and to conduct prompt, thorough and impartial investigations, ensuring accountability for perpetrators. The committee also called for measures to prevent such crimes and to guarantee access to justice and effective remedies for victims.

The committee further noted an increase in law enforcement operations against Rohingya, Bengali-speaking Muslims, migrants and asylum-seekers, especially following a 2017 Ministry of Home Affairs order and the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. It said police check posts had engaged in racial profiling, resulting in arbitrary arrest and detention without due process.

Additionally, the committee called on India to refrain from “collective expulsions” and to ensure access to international protection, including the principle of non-refoulement. This principle, a cornerstone of international refugee law, prohibits the return of refugees to countries where their lives or freedom would be threatened. The committee stressed that law enforcement operations must comply with international human rights standards, including due process and non-discrimination.

The committee's concluding observations, containing its recommendations, are expected to be published soon. India, as a state party, is expected to respond to these recommendations and report on measures taken to implement them in its next periodic review.