Statement by India in the Agenda Item 3 Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, during the 61st Session of the Human Rights Council (23 February – 31 March 2026), delivered by Mr. Muhammed Shabeer K, Under Secretary (UNES), Geneva, 3 March 2026 Statement by India in the Agenda Item 3 Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom ..

Statement by India in the Agenda Item 3 Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, during the 61st Session of the Human Rights Council (23 February – 31 March 2026), delivered by Mr. Muhammed Shabeer K, Under Secretary (UNES), Geneva, 3 March 2026

Statement by India in the Agenda Item 3 Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, during the 61st Session of the Human Rights Council (23 February – 31 March 2026), delivered by Mr. Muhammed Shabeer K, Under Secretary (UNES), Geneva, 3 March 2026

Madam Vice President,

India takes note of the report. We recognize States’ obligation to ensure that deceased persons are treated with dignity and respect, including in the handling of human remains.

  1. India is a multilingual, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, where funeral and burial practices are as diverse as its faiths and communities, governed by general laws, religious personal laws and local regulations, underpinned by a strong commitment to non-discrimination.
  1. We regret that the report relies on politically motivated and factually incorrect allegations from self-styled advocacy organisations, with a record of ideological bias and hostility towards India, leading to a portrayal that ignores India’s scale, diversity and constitutional protections.
  1. Disputes regarding burial or cremation sites in India are localised, fact-specific issues shaped by land-use, community preferences and urban-planning considerations. They do not reflect any State policy of discrimination, and if and when disputes arise, they are adjudicated by independent courts, subject to constitutional guarantees and statutory protections. Regulation of burial and cremation in India is primarily undertaken by local authorities in consultation with communities, and it is inaccurate to generalize from isolated interpersonal conflicts and disputes.
  1. We reject attempts to link such disputes with laws regulating religious conversions by force, inducement or fraud; these are legally distinct questions. The report also conflates “tribal population” in India with “indigenous peoples”, contrary to India’s constitutional framework and its explanation at the adoption of UNDRIP.
  1. India remains firmly committed to protecting freedom of religion or belief including funeral rites.

Thank you.