Permanent Mission of India
Geneva
Human Rights Council – 29th Session
(June 15-July 03, 2015)
Agenda Item 10: Panel on the effects of terrorism on the enjoyment by all person of human rights and fundamental freedoms
STATEMENT BY INDIA
Thank you Mr. President,
1. India welcomes convening the full day panel discussion on the effects of terrorism on the enjoyment of human rights. We thank the Panellists forhighlightinga range of effects that terrorism has on the enjoyment of all human rights of individuals.
2. The international community is continuously facing a grave challenge from terrorism. It is a scourge that undermines peace, democracy and freedom. It endangers the foundation of democratic societies. The destructive impact of terrorism on human rights and security has been aptly recognized at all levels of the United Nations, including in the General Assembly and the Security Council. India fully shares panel’s concerns that terrorism threatens the dignity and security of human beings and has an adverse effect on the establishment of the rule of law.
3. Tackling terrorism requires a holistic approach and a collective action. On the legal front, we need to expand the scope of legal instruments to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorist acts.
4. India strongly supports all efforts, especially within the purview of the United Nations that strengthen international and regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The success in the fight against terrorism goes hand in hand with the progress in strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation and exchange of information at the international, regional and sub-regional level. India has been at the forefront of global counter-terrorism efforts and is part of all major global initiatives against international terrorism, including Financial Action Task Force.
Mr. President,
5. As a Party to 13 international counter-terrorism Conventions and Protocols, India has taken important steps towards strengthening its strategic, legal and operational framework in the fight against terrorism.
6. We share Panel’s observation that international and regional human rights law enshrines States have both a right and a duty to protect individuals under their jurisdiction from terrorist attacks and to take effective counter-terrorism measures, to prevent and deter future terrorist attacks and to prosecute those that are responsible for carrying such acts.
7. We take note of the Panel’s observation that a comprehensive analysis of the needs of victims of terrorism needs to be addressed. Will the Panel reflect more on how States can respond to those needs while protecting its subjects from the scourge of terrorism?
Mr. President,
8. India holds the firm view that no cause whatsoever or grievance could justify terrorism. India condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including those in which States are directly or indirectly involved, including the State sponsored cross-border terrorism and reiterates the call for the adoption of a holistic approach that ensures zero tolerance towards terrorism. We also request the Panelists to share their thoughts on addressing situations where States are directly or indirectly sponsoring terrorism on one or the other pretext.
Thank you Mr. President.
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