New Delhi: India has strongly rejected a report by United Nations Special Rapporteur Gina Romero alleging that young people in the country face retaliation, stigma and repression for raising issues such as mental health and gender justice.
Speaking during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee, Indian First Secretary Anuj Swarup criticised the report for relying on anonymous and unverified submissions. He described it as “hearsay dressed up as a report” and said such reporting practices undermined the credibility of the United Nations and its institutions.
Swarup said India’s Constitution guarantees citizens the rights to peaceful assembly, association, speech and expression. He pointed to the role of the independent judiciary, a free press and the National Human Rights Commission in safeguarding these freedoms.
He also questioned the report’s portrayal of the country as repressive, arguing that it acknowledged the emergence of a satirical political movement led by young people. He asked whether such a movement could challenge the government, organise marches to the national capital and engage directly with national leaders if political dissent were systematically suppressed.
Referring to recent remarks by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Swarup said dialogue with young leaders was a more effective response to youth-led movements in India.
Defending the government’s response to protests following the NEET examination paper leak in July, he said Parliament had introduced legislation aimed at reforming the examination system and imposing stricter penalties for paper leaks. He described these measures as evidence of India’s democratic accountability.
Swarup further said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers continued to engage with young people directly and through social media. He urged the Special Rapporteur to verify allegations before making accusations and to ensure greater rigour and fairness in future reports.
Romero’s report was submitted against the backdrop of youth-led protests in India over allegations of voter deletions and manipulation of electoral rolls, including demands directed at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The report alleged that young people faced state-sponsored repression, violence, legal exclusion and digital surveillance despite their participation in movements demanding democracy and accountability. It also criticised what it described as a gap between public support for youth participation and the treatment of young people who challenge those in power.
