America
India points out areas of 'concern' in US' rights record
New Delhi/New York, May 12
As violence
continues in Baltimore in the US following the custodial death of a
black man, India has pointed out areas of "concern" regarding the US'
human rights record, including "deficiencies in law enforcement
procedures and disproportionate use of force".
In a statement,
India's Permanent Representative to the UN at Geneva Ajit Kumar
acknowledged the "openness of the US delegation in accepting areas of
continuing concern such as racial bias in the criminal justice system,
incidents of bias-motivated crimes, including those committed against
Hindus and Sikhs, and need for safety and living conditions at
confinement facilities".
India made a few recommendations, including that the US "may consider establishing a national human rights institution".
"We
encourage the US Government to take adequate steps towards gender
parity at workplace, protect women from all forms of violence and
enhance opportunities in education and health for children from ethnic
minorities."
"We note efforts towards maintaining respect for
privacy and civil liberties while addressing dangers to national
security. We request the US delegation to share more information in this
connection."
India also welcomed the developments towards better protection of the rights of indigenous peoples by the US.
"We
recommend that the US consider early ratification of International
Conventions relating to the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
(CESCR), Rights of the Child (CRC) and Elimination of Discrimination
Against Women (CEDAW)."
Speaking before the United Nations Human
Rights Council, State Department's acting legal adviser Mary McLeod
highlighted steps taken by the US to battle against all forms of
discrimination.
"Torture and cruel and inhuman and degrading
treatment and punishment are absolutely prohibited at all times and in
all places under both international law and US domestic law with no
exception," she said.
McLeod was speaking at the US' Universal
Periodic Review (UPR) at the UN Human Rights Council. The UPR is a
process which involves a periodic review of the human rights records of
all 193 UN member states.
Baltimore has witnessed a spate of
violence following the death in police custody of Freddie Gray, 25,
earlier this month. Gray's death is the latest in a line of deaths of
unarmed black teens/men due to use of excessive use of force or shooting
by the police in the US.
India last week, during a statement on
the UPR of the Maldives' human rights record, called upon the Indian
Ocean nation of islands to safeguard space for legitimate political
dissent.
"We have seen reports by UN agencies that press freedom
is being abridged. The Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges
and lawyers has also reported their increased politicization.
Maintaining public trust requires strong adherence to due process. The
space for legitimate political dissent must be safeguarded," India has
said.