Statement by India at the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council (25 February – 22 March 2019) on Agenda 3: Interactive Dialogue with SR on terrorism, delivered by Ms. Mini Devi Kumam, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [01 March 2019, Geneva] Statement by India at the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council (25 February – 22 March 201..

Statement by India at the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council (25 February – 22 March 2019) on Agenda 3: Interactive Dialogue with SR on terrorism, delivered by Ms. Mini Devi Kumam, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [01 March 2019, Geneva]

Statement by India at the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council (25 February – 22 March 2019) on Agenda 3: Interactive Dialogue with SR on terrorism, delivered by Ms. Mini Devi Kumam, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [01 March 2019, Geneva]

Mr. President,

India thanks the SR on the presentation of her report. We note the concern of the SR on the lack of a comprehensive definition of terrorism and of violent extremism and lack of a comprehensive assessment of the human rights impact of the required measure.

Mr. President,

2. India believes that CTC and CTED would continue to pay close attention to the question of respect for human rights and the rule of law in counter-terrorism measures taken by States, in accordance with the relevant mandates conferred by the Security Council. In this regard, the Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism (CCIT) will provide a strong legal basis for the fight against terrorism and will be in the interest of all Member States to have a multilateral and collective dimension of counter terrorism effort.

Mr. President,

3. Terrorism poses serious challenge to the entire international community as its reach has spread to an extent that the terrorists can strike at places and at times of their choosing with intent to cause maximum possible damage, destruction and death of innocent persons. All acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable irrespective of motivations. While combating terrorism, we need to adopt a holistic approach that ensures zero tolerance towards terrorism. The only effective way to tackle terrorism is through combined international efforts and that the UN is best suited for developing this transnational effort. The Human Rights Council should actively support the UN led consensus on zero tolerance on terrorism.

4. Considering the intricate linkages and networks that unite, terror groups can only be challenged through concerted international cooperation and efforts by way of extradition, prosecution, information exchange, and capacity building and all major UN instruments relating to specific terrorist activities remain fundamental tools in the fight against terrorism.