Here's What United Nations Said As India Defended Its Human Rights Record

India today defended its human rights records in Geneva during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The attorney general of India, Mukul Rohatgi, representing the country, answered the questions and concerns sent in by other countries. Addressing the members of the United Nations, Rohatgi projected India's record on human rights protection at the global conference and said,"Concept of torture is alien to our culture".

The countries Israel, Greece commended India  for 2005 RTI Act, Digital India, anti-human trafficking while Iceland urged for decriminalising same-sex relations in India; preventing child marriage.

Iceland also mentioned about women facing violence in India and lack of access to justice.

Kyrghystan urged India to eliminate violence against women in India, particularly women from lower castes. 

Italy urged  India to ratify Convention against torture and repeal anti- conversion laws.

Here is a look at what other countries had  to say:

1)Japan lauds India for introducing a law providing rights for persons with disabilities 

2)Italy suggests sentence commuting from death penalty till capital punishment is struck down.

3)Israel asks India to ratify convention against torture and to prevent child marriage

4)Iran commended India for housing, women empowerment, food security and poverty eradication

5) Greece recommended India ratify CAT and suggests doing away with death penalty

6)Germany (again) recommends India ratify the convention against torture.

7) Montenegro joined list of countries urging India to reconsider the death penalty/capital punishment. It also lauded Supreme Court of India for commuting death sentences to life.

8) Mauritius said everything is ok with India. anything to do with remittances and tax treaties?

9)Namibia suggested India introduce law against marital rape & prosecute perpetrators of honour killings.

10)Netherlands regretted anti-conversion laws are used in India to fuel communal violence , Norway (also) urges India to ratify convention against torture.

11) India flaunted rape law amendment to combat violence against women.

12) Pakistan asked for plebiscite in Kashmir, to allow free press to function and to ban pellet guns.

13)Singapore welcomed India's inclusive Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas attitude and Standup India scheme.

(All inputs from Ushinor Majumdar)