India Slams UN Rights Chief For Criticism On Rohingya Issue, Calls His Remarks Tendentious

Ambassador Rajiv K Chander, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Offices in Geneva, on Tuesday expressed the country’s disapproval over the remarks made by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein on the issue of deportation of illegal Rohingya refugees, saying that there appeared to be an inadequate appreciation of the freedoms and rights, which are guaranteed and practised daily in India.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights had, on Monday, described the situation of Myanmar's Rohingya minority as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing" and criticised both Yangon and New Delhi, the latter for seeking to deport Rohingyas, who were living illegally in different parts of the country.

"We are perplexed at some of the observations made by the High Commissioner in his oral update. There appears to be an inadequate appreciation of the freedoms and rights that are guaranteed and practised daily in a vibrant democracy that has been built under challenging conditions. Tendentious judgements made on the basis of selective and even inaccurate reports do not further the understanding of human rights in any society," Chander said, in response to the oral update of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, at the 36th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Chander also slammed the High Commissioner for his remarks on Kashmir, saying, "we have also noted that the issue of human rights in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir has been raised. It is a matter of regret that the central role of terrorism is once again being overlooked. Assessments of human rights should not be a matter of political convenience”.

"India believes that achieving human rights goals calls for objective consideration, balanced judgements and verification of facts. Our Government's motto of sabka saath, sabka vikas, is a true reflection of our commitment to achieve inclusive development in the spirit of leaving none of our citizens behind," he added.

Chander further said that like many other nations, India is concerned about illegal migrants, in particular, with the possibility that they could pose security challenges and that enforcing the laws should not be mistaken for lack of compassion.

"It is also surprising that individual incidents are being extrapolated to suggest a broader societal situation. India is proud of its independent judiciary, freedom of press, vibrant civil society and respect for rule of law. India does not condone any actions in violation of law and imputations to the contrary are not justified," he added, slamming the High Commissioner for his ignorance. (ANI)