Statement by India at the 35^th Session of Human Rights Council (06-23 June 2017) on General Debate on Agenda Item 8: Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. [Geneva, 19 June 2017]

Mr. Vice President,

The adoption of Vienna Declaration, by consensus 24 years ago, marked the culmination of a process to review the status of human rights that have been painstakingly constructed on the foundation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948.

2. It is worth recalling the major contribution of the Vienna Declaration is that the UN objective to promote and protect human rights within its framework, is a ‘legitimate concern’ of the international community. A collective effort of the international community is, therefore, inevitable in realising the desired objectives. Further, any follow-up action to the Vienna Declaration should avoid the perceptions of selectivity, politicization, and double standards.

3. We understand that the effective realisation of human rights is intrinsically linked to the rule of law, democracy and progressive development of the concerned state. The Vienna Declaration acknowledged that human rights are universal, indivisible, and interdependent. It guarantees the fundamental importance of all human rights on equal footing including the right to development and are mutually reinforcing. 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.

4. During the last two and half decades of the Vienna Declaration, India has initiated several human rights action plans which have undoubtedly produced major changes. Awareness of human rights; ensuring women and child rights; addressing socio-economic rights; commitment to Paris Principles; and invigorating civil society are some of the positive developments worth mentioning in this regard.

In conclusion, Mr. Vice President,

5. The VDPA is clear in assigning the central role national institutions can play in the promotion and protection of human rights. While acknowledging the crucial role of international cooperation in this pursuit, the Declaration supports the right of each State to choose the framework best suited for it. Unfortunately, in clear violation of the letter and spirit of the VDPA, we are witnessing attempts to establish yet more external and intrusive mechanisms that often operate without the express will or the confidence of the concerned States. We need to be cautious in this regard.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

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