Statement by India at the 37^th Session of Human Rights Council (26 February-23 March 2018) on Agenda Item 1: High-Level Panel Discussion on the 70^th Anniversary of UDHR and 25^th Anniversary of VDPA. [Geneva, 28 February 2018]

Mr. President,

   We appreciate the convening of this high level panel and thank the panelists for sharing their views on the theme.

2. It is our firm belief that human rights issues cannot be approached in isolation, ignoring the complex and intricate relationship between human rights, development, democracy and international cooperation. A more constructive and non-confrontational approach that is sensitive to the genuine concerns and capacity constraints of countries should be adopted. An aggressive ‘naming and shaming’ exercise has its limits, is often counter-productive and tends to divide member states into opposing camps.

3. For a variety of reasons, the human rights agenda appears to be turning increasingly contentious. There is still lack of unanimity over issues such as individual rights and common good; the role of state sovereignty; the relative merits of pursuing civil against political against more expansive rights; the highly divergent contexts and immediate concerns of the UN member states, emphasis on thematic against country-specific efforts; and the politicization and select targeting of countries. The primacy of national efforts in the realisation of human rights along with due consideration for the values and other specific challenges of individual countries must guide our efforts.

4. Democracy, good governance, rule of law and access to justice and civil society engagement are essential for safeguarding fundamental freedoms and promoting and protecting human rights for all. In this pursuit, it is imperative to recognize the Right to Development as a distinct, universal, inalienable and fundamental human right. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its goals underlines the collective political will for making efforts towards synergizing the work of the United Nations in its three pillars of peace and security, development and human rights.

5. Along with the VDPA, the OHCHR is also completing 25 years. This presents us with great opportunity to look back on a greater century of its existence and review it to become more representative, credible and effective.

6. India remains strongly committed to the promotion and protection of all human rights for all through dialogue and cooperation.

Thank you, Mr. President.