India has strongly rebutted allegations by UN Special Rapporteur Gina Romero claiming that young people in the country face retaliation or stigmatisation for speaking out on mental health and gender justice.
Delivering India’s national statement at the 81st Session of the UNGA Third Committee, First Secretary Anuj Swarup defended the country’s constitutional safeguards, emphasising that rights to free speech and peaceful assembly are guaranteed under Article 19 and protected by an independent judiciary and a free press.
Dismissing the UN report for relying on anonymous footnote citations, Swarup described it as “hearsay, dressed up as a UN report”.
The rebuttal follows social media posts by Romero accusing Indian authorities of using excessive force and arbitrary detentions during recent youth demonstrations. Countering the claims, Swarup highlighted active youth participation in political movements and dialogue with senior government officials.
Citing UN High Commissioner Volker Türk’s positive remarks on youth engagement in India, Swarup urged the rapporteur to “verify before she vilifies” and maintain required rigour and fairness in official reporting.
