Statement by India under Agenda Item 5 : ID with Advisory Committee at the 45th Session of the Human Rights Council(14 September – 07 October 2020) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 25 September 2020)
Madam President,
At the outset, we thank the Advisory Committee for the activities that it has undertaken this year, despite the challenging circumstances posed by the pandemic. We take note of the report and studies submitted by the Advisory Committee. The full text of the statement is uploaded in the extranet.
2. India notes with appreciation the research-based report prepared by the Advisory Committee on the importance of a legally binding instrument on the right to development. We have carefully noted the recommendations made in the report. We believe that the report would guide the deliberations in the Working Group on Right to Development.
3. The significance of international cooperation and solidarity to achieve the Right to Development is now more evident than ever, in our common efforts to fight the pandemic. Even in these difficult times, India has been at the forefront of providing development assistance and necessary medical assistance to countries in need.
4. We have taken note of the recommendations made in the study on national policies and human rights in particular those relating to integrating human rights approach in preparation of plans and programmes to achieve SDGs by member States. As rightly mentioned in the report, India has undertaken several initiatives to increase spending in the social sector in recent times to ensure that no one is left behind including the most vulnerable.
5. India, which is home to one-sixth of all humanity, holds the key to success of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We have recently presented the second Voluntary National Review on the implementation of SDGs (July, 2020) which has adopted a “whole-of-society” approach with the Government of India engaging with sub-national and local governments, civil societies, local communities, members of vulnerable groups and the private sector.
Madam President,
6. We look forward to the other studies by the Advisory Committee, in particular the study on negative effects of terrorism on the enjoyment of human rights. India firmly believes that terrorism is a crime against humanity. It is the grossest violation of human rights in particular the Right to Life and a challenge to international peace and security. As the world is grappling with Covid-19, it is important to augment international legal frameworks and genuine cooperation among member States in our common fight against terrorism.
7. We value the work done by the Advisory Committee and reiterate our firm commitment and support to it.
Thank you, Madam President.
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