New York, Oct. 14 -- India on Tuesday (local time) rejected an "unsubstantiated reference" to the country in a report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, citing official data on land-title claims under the Forest Rights Act and highlighting constitutional safeguards and targeted welfare programmes for tribal communities.

Delivering India's statement at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Third Committee, First Secretary, Anuj Swarup, addressed agenda items concerning the promotion and protection of the rights of children, the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the report of the Human Rights Council.

Responding to the discussion on Indigenous Peoples' rights, India reaffirmed its co...