At the outset, I thank the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for his informative remarks.

 

 

We value the expertise of OHCHR in strengthening States capacities in the field of human rights, and continued emphasis on principles of impartiality, non-selectivity, and objectivity. To have a more meaningful and sustained impact, any assistance offered by UN human rights machinery, including OHCHR, should be upon the request and as per the priorities and specific circumstances of the country concerned. 

 

We take note of the efforts of the High Commissioner in improving efficiency and streamlining the work of his Office through the 'Change Initiative'. The inherent ambiguities in governance and administrative arrangements of the Office are hindering its optimal performance, as highlighted in the recent JIU review. It is imperative that Member States agree on a mechanism to comprehensively address long standing issues related to funding, staffing, priority setting processes, transparency and accountability of the OHCHR. We would like to know more from the High Commissioner about the steps taken in this regard.

 

 

The Human Rights Council will be celebrating its 10th anniversary next year. Its continued success as the primary UN platform for promoting universal respect for the protection of human rights hinges on its ability to function in a non-selective, non-politicized and transparent manner. 

 

The Council and its mechanisms should avoid falling in the trap of selective country spotlighting and intrusive monitoring, which have been proved time and again to be counterproductive, and instead, focus on enhancing genuine dialogue and cooperation.

 

In this regard, we have much to learn from the success of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the widely accepted only Member State led peer review mechanism to improve the protection of human rights in all countries without exception. In this context, I would like to ask the High Commissioner that in the third cycle of UPR, how to improve efficiency and impact of the process and avoid using it for imposing specific thematic issues that are yet to acquire universal acceptance.

 

 

As the world's largest democracy, with a proud history of unity in diversity, strong constitutional safeguards for fundamental freedoms, a progressive parliament, an independent and impartial judiciary, a free and vibrant media and a thriving civil society, India is wedded to the idea of just and equitable society. 

   

 

In conclusion, the 'transformation' that we desire to achieve by 2030 can become a reality only if we uphold the inalienable right of every person to development and create an equitable and just international order for its full realization.