General comments by India on Consideration of the Resolution A_HRC_42_L.23 on “Terrorism and Human Rights” in the

42^nd Session of the Human Rights Council, delivered by

Ambassador Rajiv K. Chander, Permanent Representative of India,

Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 26^th September 2019)

Mr. President,

Terrorism is the grossest violator of human rights. The basic human right i.e. the right to life has been constantly under threat from terrorism. All acts of terrorism and violent extremism are criminal and unjustifiable irrespective of the motivation. The growing interlinkages between terrorist and violent extremist groups, cross-border operations including terror financing networks, propagating ideologies of hatred through exploitation of modern technologies and funding arms and weapons have certainly left no country aloof from the impact of terrorism. Considering this, the only effective way to tackle an international threat like terrorism is by way of genuine collaboration among the States.

2. The draft resolution under consideration highlights the impact of terrorism on the enjoyment of human rights while espousing international cooperation to combat the menace of terrorism. The resolution has rightly sought cooperation of all States “inter-alia” to prevent any support from reaching terrorist groups, to deny terrorists safe haven and to extradite the perpetrators of terrorist acts or supporters. We are happy that the resolution has requested States to refrain from providing support to entities or persons involved in terrorist acts or propaganda platforms advocating hatred or misuse of Internet and other media.

3. We are hopeful that the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism would come up with fruitful recommendations on the negative effects of terrorism on the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms as envisaged by this resolution.

4. Finally, we commend Egypt and Mexico for coming up with a balanced text accommodating diverse views from all stakeholders. While the resolution provides various ways for tackling terrorism and violent extremism, it has also cautioned States to adhere to international human rights law while countering terrorism and violent extremism.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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