NEW YORK, Oct 15: India has questioned the impartiality of the UN human rights system, accusing the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) of applying selective standards while addressing alleged violations in different parts of the world. New Delhi also called for greater accountability from Pakistan over reported human rights abuses in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
Speaking at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee, Anuj Swarup, First Secretary at India’s UN Mission, said the omission of certain incidents involving the handling of protests in neighbouring countries and Western nations raised concerns about the consistency of the OHCHR’s reporting.
He warned that such selective scrutiny could weaken international confidence in multilateral institutions and the work of the UN human rights office.
India urged the OHCHR to publish a detailed assessment of the measures taken by Pakistan to address allegations of rights violations in the territory under its control. New Delhi called for impartial inquiries into killings allegedly involving Pakistani security personnel and demanded fair legal proceedings for detained leaders of the Awami Action Committee.
Swarup also stressed the importance of allowing detainees access to their lawyers and family members, alongside the restoration of internet services in the region.
India questioned the absence of adequate follow-up to recommendations previously issued by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk concerning the situation and protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Responding to Pakistan’s remarks on Kashmir during the committee proceedings, the Indian representative rejected what New Delhi viewed as an attempt to divert attention from concerns within Pakistan and areas under its control.
Swarup urged Islamabad to examine its own human rights record, specifically referring to regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Rawalakot. He maintained that the protection of fundamental freedoms should be applied consistently rather than selectively across different territories.
Defending India’s position, he said the country’s law enforcement agencies operated within the framework of the law, with courts available to citizens seeking remedies for grievances. He added that the exercise of individual rights was subject to the maintenance of public order and safety.
India also reiterated its position that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the country. Swarup stated that residents of both Union Territories enjoy the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, on the same basis as citizens in other parts of India.
The Indian intervention highlighted New Delhi’s demand for greater consistency in international human rights monitoring, arguing that credible assessments should address allegations wherever they arise and ensure that concerns receive appropriate scrutiny.