Permanent Mission of India, Geneva

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 30TH SESSION (13 Sept- 2nd Oct 2015) Adoption of the Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of the United States of America (24 Sept 2014)

Statement by H.E. Mr. Ajit Kumar, Ambassador & Permanent Representative of India to UN offices and Other International Organizations

Mr. President,

1. India warmly welcomes the delegation of the USA and thanks the delegation for its statement and response to the recommendations.

2. We commend the United States for its constructive engagement with the UPR mechanism. The review reflected the intense engagement by peer countries, with as many as 343 recommendations addressed to USA

Mr. President,

3. During the Review, my delegation had highlighted that the disproportionate use of force as an area of concern. We are reassured by the delegation’s response that the country takes great care to ensure that use of force – including targeted strikes – conform to all applicable domestic and international law. We also recognize the country’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting willful use of excessive force by law enforcement officers as reflected in its acceptance of recommendations concerning these issues.

4. We appreciate the United States’ acceptance of India’s recommendations including to consider early ratification of ICESCR and ICEDAW. We note with interest its intention to review how the country can move toward its ratification of CRC. We are encouraged to note that US is open to considering the establishment of a national human rights institution.

5.We once again congratulate the United States for its successful review and wish it all success in implementing accepted recommendations and recommend the adoption of the UPR report on the United States of America.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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