India Slams UN Human Rights Body Over Delhi Protest Remarks
India denounces the OHCHR for extreme selectivity and interference in internal affairs following remarks on recent protests in New Delhi.
The Indian government has launched a scathing attack on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), accusing the international body of "extreme selectivity" and unwarranted interference in the nation's internal affairs. The diplomatic row erupted following comments made by the UN body regarding the detention of protesters during a demonstration in New Delhi led by the Cockroach Janta Party against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
"Unwarranted and Unacceptable"
Responding to the UN's stance, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the OHCHR's concerns as both baseless and offensive. He argued that the international body's reaction was biased, noting that it failed to voice similar concerns regarding large-scale protests or law enforcement actions occurring in other parts of the world.
"The concerns expressed by OHCHR are unwarranted and at the same time unacceptable because it amounts to interference in India's internal affairs," Jaiswal stated. He warned that such a pattern of behavior could lead to a "loss of faith in multilateralism" and severely damage the UN body's global standing.
The Spark: UN Calls for Restraint
The tension began when UN Human Rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan issued a statement calling on Indian authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly. The UN official urged the government to exercise restraint and ensured that any restrictions placed on demonstrations met strict tests of necessity and proportionality.
However, India maintains that its security measures were strictly legal and necessary. The MEA emphasized that while the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, this right is subject to the maintenance of public order and safety.
India Defends Democratic Institutions
Reiterating the strength of the Indian democratic framework, Jaiswal highlighted that the rights of citizens are protected by several layers of oversight. He noted that:
- The Indian Constitution upholds and guarantees the right to peaceful assembly.
- An independent judiciary is available to all citizens for the redressal of any grievances.
- A free media and robust institutions act as safeguards for democratic rights.
- Law enforcement agencies act strictly in accordance with the law to ensure public safety.
Accusations of Double Standards
A central point of India's criticism is the perceived hypocrisy of the UN human rights body. Jaiswal pointed out that the OHCHR has remained silent on several critical issues, including violent crackdowns on demonstrations in India's own neighbourhood and even law enforcement operations occurring near the UN's own vicinity.
"Such double standards only erode the credibility of its standing," Jaiswal remarked, suggesting that the UN's selective approach undermines its role as a neutral global arbiter. The Indian government maintains that its actions in New Delhi were a matter of maintaining order and were conducted within the bounds of domestic law.