UN Watchdog Urges India to Protect Tribal Groups and Dalits From Rights Abuses

India must strengthen protections for tribal communities, Dalits and other disadvantaged groups facing alleged violence and abuse by law enforcement, a United Nations committee said Tuesday.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) expressed concern over reports of extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary detention and excessive use of force against ethnic and ethno-religious communities.

The committee also called on India to take urgent action against discrimination, hate speech and violence targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims, including Rohingya refugees, migrants and asylum-seekers.

CERD said reports indicated that members of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, particularly Dalits, had faced serious violations at the hands of authorities. The alleged abuses included racially motivated violence, sexual violence, prolonged detention without due process and mistreatment in custody.

The committee urged Indian authorities to investigate the allegations fully and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Although CERD’s recommendations are not legally binding, they carry international reputational significance. The committee monitors countries that have ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which requires governments to combat racial discrimination and ensure equality before the law.

Caste continues to play a major role in Indian society, influencing access to education, employment, resources and social opportunities. Dalits have historically faced discrimination and segregation despite constitutional protections and laws designed to safeguard their rights.

Committee member Stamatia Stavrinaki said India needs clearer evidence showing that segregation affecting Dalits has been effectively reduced.

The committee’s concerns also extended to Rohingya and Bengali-speaking Muslim communities. CERD said increased law enforcement operations involving these groups had reportedly included identity checks and police stops based on racial profiling.

According to the committee, such practices have allegedly resulted in arbitrary arrests, detention without due process and cases of torture or other mistreatment.

CERD also raised concerns about deportations and the forced return of people who may require international protection. It called on India to protect asylum-seekers and avoid collective expulsions.

Stavrinaki said accountability remained a major concern, warning that laws against hate crimes could not be effective if they were not properly implemented.

She also said racial discrimination in the private sector was not clearly prohibited under Indian law.

India appeared before CERD earlier this month for the first time since 2007, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta leading its delegation.

The Indian mission said its delegation had highlighted the country’s pluralism, diversity and constitutional safeguards during the review. It said India remained committed to ensuring equality, dignity and opportunity for its citizens.

CERD also expressed concern about the environment faced by human rights defenders, citing reports of threats, hate speech and attacks that were not being adequately prevented or addressed.