G20 in Kashmir: India rejects statement issued by UN expert on Jammu and Kashmir

New Delhi: India vehemently rejects the statement issued by United Nations (UN) expert Dr Fernand de Varennes regarding Jammu and Kashmir, particularly as the preparations for the G20 meeting on tourism in J & K continue.

Dr Fernand de Varennes, the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, released a report highlighting alleged human rights violations in the region, a move perceived by New Delhi to tarnish its international reputation ahead of the critical global summit.

In his report, Dr Fernand de Varennes asserts that the Indian government, despite ongoing violations in Kashmir, is strategically hosting the G20 event to downplay the troubling situation and seek international validation. Specifically, he notes that human rights violations had escalated significantly in the region since 2019 when the Indian government revoked the special status granted under Article 370.

The release of this report coincides with the upcoming G20 meeting scheduled to take place from May 22-24. According to the report, India is accused of normalizing human rights violations and attempting to gain international approval by hosting the summit.

Responding swiftly, the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in Geneva strongly reprimanded the UN Special Rapporteur for levelling baseless allegations in his report. The Indian mission emphasized that, as the President of the G20, India possesses the rightful authority to host the meeting in any part of the country it deems appropriate.

In a tweet, the Indian mission at the UN Geneva denounced the statement issued by Dr Fernand de Varennes, categorically rejecting its contents: "We, India at UN Geneva, strongly reject the statement issued by SR on minority issues Dr Fernand de Varennes and the baseless & unwarranted allegations in it. As G20 President, it's India's prerogative to host its meetings in any part of the country."

We @IndiaUNGeneva strongly reject the statement issued by SR on minority issues @fernanddev & the baseless & unwarranted allegations in it. As G20 President, it’s India’s prerogative to host its meetings in any part of the country. (1/2)@UNHumanRights @volker_turk @MEAIndia

— India at UN, Geneva (@IndiaUNGeneva) May 16, 2023

Furthermore, India expressed disappointment with the Special Rapporteur for misusing his position to disseminate biased information through social media platforms, viewing it as a severe violation of the Code of Conduct.

In another tweet, the Indian mission stated, "We are aghast that Fernand de Varennes has acted irresponsibly to politicize this issue, misused his position as SR to publicize on social media his presumptive and prejudiced conclusions in a gross violation of the Code of Conduct for SRs."

We are aghast that @fernanddev has acted irresponsibly to politicize this issue, misused his position as SR to publicize on social media his presumptive and prejudiced conclusions in a gross violation of the Code of Conduct for SRs. (2/2)@UNHumanRights @volker_turk @MEAIndia

— India at UN, Geneva (@IndiaUNGeneva) May 16, 2023

India's resolute rejection of the UN expert's statement reflects its determination to maintain its international standing and dismiss what it perceives as an unfounded attempt to undermine its reputation on the global stage. As the G20 summit approaches, India remains steadfast in promoting its interests and addressing key global issues during the highly anticipated event.