Statement by India at the 39th Session of the Human Rights Council (10 to 28 September, 2018) on Item 2: General Debate, delivered by Ambassador Rajiv K. Chander, Permanent Representative [11 September 2018, Geneva] 

Mr.President,

We extend a warm welcome to the new High Commissioner who assumes office as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Madam High Commissioner, with your vast experience in public life including the UN System, we are confident that there would be constructive cooperation between the Office of the High Commissioner and the States towards strengthening further the promotion and protection of all human rights, including the Right to Development.

2.    Madam High Commissioner, we not only believe that all human rights are universal and inalienable but also follow the ancient wisdom of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam’ which sees the world as one family with ethos of openness and respect for diversity, co-existence and cooperation. As is evident from the recent developments, our institutions are capable and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the vast and thriving milieu of people

3.    Madam High Commissioner, there is no denying that these are challenging times including for this body. It is important, therefore, that human rights issues are addressed constructively with respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity in a transparent and credible manner.

4.    We regret that reference has been made to the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. Our views on this matter have been made abundantly clear in the Council.

5.    Madam High Commissioner, terrorism is the biggest scourge and the greatest violator of human rights and we hope you would address this issue more emphatically in the coming years.

Mr President,

6.     India has served the Council with the conviction that the promotion and protection of human rights are best pursued through dialogue and cooperation.  We are committed to contributing further to the Council in a spirit of collaborative engagement and count on the support of all our colleagues as we persist on this path.

7.    Madam High Commissioner, we congratulate you and wish you a successful tenure. Please be assured that India will do its utmost to serve the interests of the Council and we look forward to working with you.

Thank you, Mr. President

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