Permanent Mission of India
Geneva
Statement by Shri Ajit Kumar, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva at 32nd Session of the Human Rights Council under Agenda Item3: Interactive Dialogue with SR on Independence of Judges and Lawyers and Independent Expert on International Solidarity
15 June 2016
Mr. Vice President,
1. Indiathanks both the mandate holders for their reports. We agree with the SR that a well functioning judiciary is an essential pillar of the rule of law and its strengthening is crucial to ensure accountability for human rights violations.
2. We, in India, are guided by the vibrant, independent judiciary, which through landmark judgements and innovative mechanisms ensured and enhanced the justiciability of economic, social and cultural rights of our citizens.
3. We are of the view that the special nature of the functions performed by justice operators requires a delicate balance between ensuring the independence of judiciary, while at the same time confronting any abuse or misconduct that might be associated with the work of the judiciary.
4. We are conscious that the international human rights norms to date do not provide concrete standards in this regard. We understand this in the context of the wide diversity that characterizes the structures and modus operandi of justice systems around the world. In this regard we request the SR to kindly elaborate the “indicators” she had referred in the report.
5. We support the Independent Expert on International Solidarity in her efforts in advancing the concept and principles of international solidarity and further conceptualization of the proposed draft Declaration. We take note of the thematic report highlighting the comments and suggestions gathered during the regional consultations. India participated in the consultations held in the Asia-Pacific region and immensely benefited from the rich discussions.
6. The report provides relevant information at an opportune time, reaffirming that the right to international solidarity is of critical relevance in the context of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and the new climate change agreement and the ways and means to implement them. It is imperative for the international community to come together as one family to address key global challenges in the spirit of international solidarity based on a genuine global partnership.
7. We look forward to a revised draft declaration on the right of peoples and individuals to international solidarity. We assure the Independent Expert our support in fulfilling her mandate.
I thank you.
