Statement by India at the 38^th Session of the Human Rights Council (18 June to 06 July, 2018) on Agenda Item 8: Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action delivered by Ms. Mini Devi Kumam, Second Secretary. [02 July 2018, Geneva] 

Mr. President

The VDPA guarantees the fundamental importance of all human rights on equal footing. An all-inclusive approach is highly essential to overcome the counter-productive dichotomy of economic, social and cultural rights on one side and civil and political rights on the other. Any follow-up action to the VDPA should avoid the perceptions of selectivity, politicization and double standards. It is important that we reset the balance espoused by the VDPA to restore the sense of trust and all round cooperation for promotion of all human rights.

2. The VDPA reaffirmed the right to development as a universal and inalienable right. Yet, it has seen the least progress in both normative and practical terms. The Council and its mechanisms should facilitate effective international cooperation to eliminate obstacles to the right to development.

3. While recognizing the important role of national institutions and NGOs in promotion of human rights, the VDPA supports the right of each State to choose the framework best suited for it. Any attempt to establish more external and intrusive mechanisms without the express will or the confidence of the concerned States will be counterproductive. It is only through constructive dialogue and engagement aimed at strengthening national mechanisms that the Council can achieve the full objectives of VDPA.

Thank you Mr. President.