India has outrightly rejected claims by UN Special Rapporteur Gina Romero that young people in the country face retaliation or stigmatisation for discussing mental health or gender justice. Indian diplomat at the UN Anuj Swarup, in a strong rebuttal, asserted that the allegations were based on anonymous and unverified submissions.
India also challenged the report’s assessment of civic space for young people in India, citing their participation in political movements and engagement with senior government leaders.
“India takes note of the report of the special rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association. “A sweeping charge against the world’s largest youth population resting on anonymous and unverified claims is not evidence. Swarup also challenged the report’s assessment of civic space for young people in India, citing their participation in political movements and engagement with senior government leaders. “Ironically, the same report notes that young Indians created a satirical political movement. In which repressive state does a satirical youth party question the government, marches on the capital, and then sits across the table with senior national leaders? Swarup pointed out referring to Union Ministers’ dialogue with Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) delegation after the July protests. “The High Commissioner for Human Rights stated in the Human Rights Council last month that dialogue with young leaders is far more effective in the context of youth-led movement in India. Perhaps that update escaped the special rapporteur’s attention,” he added referring to a statement last month by UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk.
In India, these freedoms, together with freedom of speech and expression, are guaranteed to every citizen under Article 19 of our Constitution, and are protected by an independent judiciary, a free press, and an empowered National Human Rights Commission,” Swarup said.
In a statement delivered at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Third Committee during an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, First Secretary Anuj Swarup said India’s Constitution guarantees these freedoms to every citizen. It is hearsay, dressed up as a UN report, and my delegation rejects it outright,” he said. Highlighting the government’s response to student protests over irregularities in public examinations, Swarup said the government had engaged constructively with young people and taken steps to address examination fraud.
