India urges UN human rights mechanisms to avoid politicisation, selectivity

India’s stance reflects its long-held principle of defending state sovereignty and resisting external interference in domestic affairs, a core tenet of its foreign policy. The critique of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) underscores New Delhi's argument that human rights mechanisms often display Western bias and fail to appreciate the complexities of the Global South. India advocates for a cooperative approach rather than a naming-and-shaming methodology, which it views as 'politicisation'. This reflects a broader debate within multilateral forums like the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) about the balance between universal human rights norms and the principle of non-intervention. UPSC aspirants should analyze how India leverages its democratic credentials and development achievements to push back against international criticism.

The controversy centers on the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA), a landmark legislation designed to correct historical injustices against forest-dwelling communities. The Act recognizes both Individual Forest Rights (IFR) and Community Forest Rights (CFR). The UN Special Rapporteur’s claim of unresolved claims, particularly community claims, highlights the administrative challenges in implementing the FRA. These challenges often involve a lack of awareness, complex bureaucratic procedures, and conflicts between the Forest Department and tribal communities. India’s robust defense, citing data that over 80% of the 5.4 million claims have been decided, is an attempt to demonstrate governance efficiency. However, the qualitative aspect of implementation—whether the titles granted genuinely empower communities—remains a critical area for UPSC Mains analysis, particularly under Governance and Social Justice.

The article touches upon India's approach to poverty alleviation and social protection. India highlighted its success in lifting over 250 million people out of multidimensional poverty, a metric that goes beyond income to include health, education, and living standards. The mention of schemes providing free food grains (Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana) and health cover (Ayushman Bharat) illustrates the state's role in fulfilling socio-economic rights, which are increasingly viewed as essential components of human rights. This aligns with the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution. The focus on providing bank accounts to women highlights financial inclusion as a tool for empowerment. UPSC candidates should understand how India frames its development model as a fulfillment of human rights obligations, contrasting with a purely civil-political rights focus often emphasized by Western nations.