Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 33rd Session (06-17 May 2019) : 3rd UPR of Bhutan - Interactive Dialogue, delivered by Ambassador Rajiv Kumar Chander, Permanent Representative of India, [Geneva, 08 May 2019]

India warmly welcomes the delegation of the Kingdom of Bhutan led by H.E. Dr. Tandin Dorji, Minister for Foreign Affairs. The implementation of all but one of the accepted recommendations received by Bhutan in its second UPR cycle is praiseworthy.

2.Within a short span of transitioning to democracy, Bhutan has made good progress in strengthening its national legislations and institutional mechanisms. We commend Bhutan for the successful holding of Parliamentary elections in 2018.

3.It is noteworthy that Bhutan has enriched the international discourse on development and human rights through its signature Gross National Happiness concept, which gives due importance to quality of life, wellness, culture and environmental sustainability concerns. Steps taken for mainstreaming issues related to poverty, in-equalities, gender, environment, climate change, disaster management in all its policies are commendable.

4.India appreciates the adoption of various laws for promotion and protection of the rights of women and children and the impetus given to gender equality in the ongoing 5 year plan. Major reforms in health and education sectors have helped Bhutan in improving access to free education and free health services. Its achievement in reducing people living under poverty level to a single digit is noteworthy.

5. India recommends the following:

1. Continue implementation of reforms for improving quality of education
2. Implement its key objective of poverty eradication and reducing inequality in its 5 Year Plans
3. Continue ongoing measures for addressing gender gap in the areas of leadership and decision-making levels

6.India wishes Bhutan all success in its future endevours.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.