Statement by India under Agenda Item 6:  General Debate on the Universal Periodic Review 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, 15 June 2020]

Madam President,

It is our firm belief that the UPR mechanism is an effective and visible instrument for the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The primacy that UPR mechanism gives to the member states vis a vis final decision on the recommendations, taking into account their respective social, political and economic circumstances and the conduct of the overall review in an objective, transparent, non-selective, constructive, non-confrontational and non-politicized manner are key to the universal acceptance of the UPR mechanism.

2. We strongly believe that the UPR mechanism should not be tinkered with, as any such attempt carries the potential of diluting the universal support that it currently enjoys. The practice of encouraging Member States to focus on a particular set of rights is counterproductive.

3. It is clear that the time allotted for universal periodic review has restricted states from having fruitful exchange of views. This is also contrary to the practice of allotting fixed and reasonable time to states and other stakeholders in the sessions of the Council. India proposes that the review of the HRC should allot more hours to the UPR process to address this asymmetry.

4. The enhancement of State’s capacity through technical assistance and capacity building measures in consultation with, and with the consent of, the State concerned would contribute towards the improvement of the human rights situation on the ground. When it comes to implementation of the UPR recommendations, we believe that the national or domestic mechanisms remains best placed to translate them into concrete outcomes.

5. We also take positive note of the role of the OHCHR in the conduct of the Universal Periodic Review. We also appreciate the Office’s technical support for capacity building to various States in this process.

Thank you, Madam President.

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