Statement by India under Agenda Item 10:  General Debate on the Technical Assistance and Capacity-building at the 43rd Session (resumed) of the Human Rights Council (15 – 19 June, 2020), delivered by Mr. Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, [Geneva, 18 June 2020]Statement by India under Agenda Item 10:  General Debate on the Technical Assistance and Capacity-building at the 43rd Session (resumed) of the Human Rights Council (15 – 19 June, 2020), delivered by Mr. Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, [Geneva, 18 June 2020]

Madam President,

   We appreciate and support the efforts of OHCHR in capacity building and technical assistance for promotion and protection of human rights. 

2. The current pandemic situation demands extraordinary efforts from all States which needs to be strengthened through international solidarity and increased cooperation amongst member states and relevant UN organizations. In this context, it is even more important that technical assistance and capacity building measures from OHCHR could supplement the national efforts.

3. The Council and its mechanisms may give more focus on assisting States in developing and strengthening national institutions and mechanisms in accordance to their wishes and priorities. The primacy of State and their choice need to be fully respected while extending the assistance.

4. The sanctity of this agenda item should be maintained and it should be left as a dedicated Agenda Item. Intrusion into this Agenda under any pretext for naming and shaming purposes is not acceptable. 

5. We also note with concern that the funding constraints of OHCHR would hamper the technical assistance measures towards States and underscore the importance of exploring options for ensuring sustainable funding for this purpose.

Thank you, Madam President.