Internet/Hyderabad, Oct 17 (Maxim News): India has rejected a United Nations report alleging that young people face retaliation or social stigma for discussing mental health and gender equality.
Indian diplomat Anuj Swarup criticised the report by UN Special Rapporteur Gina Romero during discussions at the United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee in New York on October 16.
Swarup argued that the report relied on anonymous and unverified submissions. He described its claims as “hearsay dressed up as a UN report” and urged the rapporteur to verify information before drawing conclusions about India.
India Defends Constitutional Rights and Youth Participation
Romero’s report stated that young people in India had reported retaliation or stigmatisation for discussing mental health and gender justice. It also referred to a satirical political movement created by Indian youth.
India challenged the report’s assessment of youth participation and civic freedoms. Swarup said generalisations about a country of more than 1.4 billion people should not rely on anonymous claims without adequate verification.
He cited Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression, peaceful assembly and association, subject to constitutional restrictions.
Swarup also pointed to youth-led political activities and student protests over alleged examination irregularities. He said young people had opportunities to express their views, participate in political movements and engage with government representatives.
The diplomat cited the Cockroach Janata Party, a satirical political platform formed by young people, as an example of youth participation in public debate. He also referred to government engagement with students protesting examination-related issues.
India maintained that international reports should examine evidence carefully and consider different perspectives before drawing conclusions about conditions within the country.
The exchange highlights a disagreement between India and the UN rapporteur over the evidence supporting claims about young people’s experiences and their ability to exercise civic freedoms.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
