India has rejected as “hearsay” a report by a UN human rights expert that has taken note of the “satirical political movement” created by the country’s youth , with New Delhi calling on the expert to “verify” before vilifying issues using unverified claims.
First Secretary in the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, Anuj Swarup, delivered the national statement at the 81st Session of the UNGA Third Committee at the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. Mr. “A sweeping charge against the world’s largest youth population, resting on anonymous and unverified claims, is not evidence.
Swarup said Ms. Romero merely cites “unnamed submissions” in the footnote. It is hearsay dressed up as a UN report, and my delegation rejects it outright,” Swarup said.
“This is the true testament of democracy in action. 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 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,” Mr. Swarup said. “Perhaps that update escaped the Special Rapporteur’s attention,” he said, adding that when students protested this summer over irregularities in public examinations, the government engaged constructively with the youth. Within weeks, the Indian Parliament amended the Public Examinations Act, doubling punishments for paper leaks, carried out a systemic examination overhaul, and created fast-track courts in every state, specifically dedicated to prosecuting individuals involved in exam fraud, he said. Youth represents our strength and shared future,” he said, as he cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s words that youth capability will become India’s capability, and their success will take India’s success to new heights. Several Ministers, including Prime Minister Modi, continue to engage with youth of the country directly and through social media, he said. Earlier reporting noted: 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.
Earlier reporting noted: 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. Earlier reporting noted: “India takes note of the report of the special rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
