Mr. Chairperson,

 

 

We thank the Secretary General and the Special Rapporteurs for their informative reports under the Agenda item.  

 

2. The idea of collective promotion and protection of human rights system at an international level that emerged seven decades ago with the adoption of the 1945 UN Charter and the 1948 Universal Declaration on Human Rights, has today evolved into an elaborate and interconnected architecture through the adoption of various treaties and other instruments.  

 

3. This architecture now includes the Human Rights Treaty Bodies, the Human Rights Council, Universal Periodic Review mechanism and Special  procedures-mandate holders. 

 

4. The evolution of this elaborate architecture and its diversity reflects the evolving issues of international concern; the balance between the differing priorities of nations; and the level of consensus reached on how to monitor and enforce any violations.  

 

5. The primacy of the comprehensive 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development now defines our collective efforts to enable all people to realize their rights, and build peaceful and inclusive societies. This now underpins the work of the three pillars of the UN. 

 

Mr. Chairperson,  

 

6. India recognizes the primacy of national responsibility and efforts in the realization of human rights. In this context, India is a firm believer in the effectiveness of a constructive and collaborative approach towards human rights promotion and protection through dialogue and capacity building.  

 

7. The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) has emerged as an effective and visible instrument for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is a unique mechanism that sets the Human Rights Council apart from its predecessor, the Committee on Human Rights.  

 

8. Earlier this year, India submitted its UPR report at the Human Rights Council. This was our third such Report since the inception of this mechanism a decade ago. We find this a serious and extensive exercise, which is very useful as it involves various stakeholders and helps in identifying gaps and the way forward in an open and transparent manner with the participation of wider UN membership.  

 

Mr. Chairperson, 

 

9. The system of the Human Rights Council Special Procedures-mandate holders is another important element of the UN human rights architecture and covers the range of civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights.  

 

10. For this mechanism to be effective in meeting its objectives, it is important for mandate holders to work in an impartial, objective, and independent manner and with full freedom and without any political pressures. 

 

11. Their efforts should strengthen national capacities and promote genuine dialogue and debate at addressing various Human Rights situations. The recommendations should take into consideration the differential national contexts. These recommendations should be free from ideological biases and made in a non-confrontational manner.  

 

Mr. Chairperson,  

 

12. We have seen some attempts at generalizations in reports and at other times publicity efforts, including through joint press releases on issues beyond the defined mandates. For instance, the Report of the Special Rapporteur in the field of Cultural Rights contains sweeping generalizations based on isolated events and its focus goes beyond what has been mandated by member states. Such attempts are more in the nature of politicization of situations and are invariably counter-productive to the stated aims.  

 

13. As in other walks of life, the funding is an important element and can sometimes distort the mandates and priorities. The need for full transparency in the funding of the Special Procedures was underscored in UNGA Resolution 65/281 that reviewed the functioning of the Human Rights Council.  We welcome the recent initiative under which mandate holders are required to disclose support received from other sources. However, the utilization details of these additional funds remain unavailable. 

 

14. While avoiding the proliferation of mandates and duplication in their work, Special Procedures can make important contributions on issues related to trade, finance, investment, global health and access to medicines and intellectual property that having a direct bearing on realization of human rights in developing countries. 

 

Mr. Chairperson, 

 

15. Terrorism is the grossest violation of human rights and a challenge to international peace and security. India firmly believes that no cause or grievance could ever justify terrorism. We must adopt a zero-tolerance towards terrorism. Narrow geo-political interests continue to stand in the way to developing a global response to this common challenge. More must be done to if this scourge is to be defeated. 

 

Mr. Chairperson, 

 

16. The Right to Development, despite a mixed treatment at the hands of UN human rights mechanisms, remains supremely important for an overwhelming majority of the global population. A fair and equitable international environment for the promotion of human rights is only possible if developing countries can participate in global economic decision making and norm setting on an equal footing with the developed countries. India attaches importance to the promotion of the Right to Development and has decided to make an additional contribution to support the efforts of Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development.  

 

17. With one-sixth of the global population, India is the world's largest democracy that is home to a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-linguistic population that has lived together for millennia. Commitment to pluralism and tolerance informs all aspects of the Indian Constitution. India has a secular polity and independent judiciary; a range of national and state level commissions that monitor compliance with human rights; a free press, and a vibrant and vocal civil society. India continues its endeavours towards fulfilling its human rights obligations and places equal emphasis on the civil and political rights and freedoms of its citizens as well as their socio-economic development. A series of affirmative measures are also in place to help the more vulnerable and marginalised, who have long suffered discrimination. 

 

18. We will continue to work with the international community to facilitate the promotion and protection of human rights in a constructive manner.  

 

I Thank You.