STATEMENT BY INDIA
in response to the oral update of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the 36th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, delivered by Ambassador Rajiv K. Chander, the Permanent Representative of India to UN, Geneva on 12 September 2017 (Agenda Item. 2)
Mr. President
We recognize the role assigned to the OHCHR in effective promotion and protection of human rights. India was part of the first set of countries in the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review.
India’s UPR Report will be adopted in this session of the HRC. We are pleased to inform you that a large number of recommendations have been accepted. We believe that the UPR is not an end in itself and that observance and promotion of human rights is an ongoing process that can be continuously strengthened.
Mr. President
We are perplexed at some of the observations made by the High Commissioner in his oral update. There appears to be inadequate appreciation of the freedoms and rights that are guaranteed and practised daily in a vibrant democracy that has been built under challenging conditions. Tendentious judgements made on the basis of selective and even inaccurate reports do not further the understanding of human rights in any society.
Like many other nations, India is concerned about illegal migrants, in particular, with the possibility that they could pose security challenges. Enforcing the laws should not be mistaken for lack of compassion.
It is also surprising that individual incidents are being extrapolated to suggest a broader societal situation. India is proud of its independent judiciary, freedom of press, vibrant civil society and respect for rule of law and human rights. A more informed view would have not only recognized this but also noted, for example, that the Prime Minister himself publicly condemned violence in the name of cow protection. India does not condone any actions in violation of law and imputations to the contrary are not justified.
We have also noted that the issue of human rights situations in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir has been raised. It is a matter of regret that the central role of terrorism is once again being overlooked. Assessments of human rights should not be a matter of political convenience.
Mr. President
India believes that achieving human rights goals calls for objective consideration, balanced judgements and verification of facts. Our Government’s motto of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” that is All Together and Development for All, is a true reflection of our commitment to achieve inclusive development in the spirit of leaving none of our citizens behind.
