Statement by India under Agenda Item 5 - General Debate on the Human rights Bodies and Mechanisms at the 45th Session of the Human Rights Council (14 September – 07 October 2020) delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 29 September 2020)
Madam President,
We thank the Advisory Committee for the activities undertaken this year despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. We believe that the Advisory Committee brings in comprehensive understanding and diverse perspectives in its research-based work and fully contributes in enhancing the technical assistance and capacity building, to the member States.
2. We take note of the High Commissioner’s oral update on the Report of the Consultative Group. In the selection and appointment process of mandate holders, due consideration should be given to equitable geographic representation, as well as representation of different legal systems, as stipulated in paragraph 40 of Resolution 5/1.
3. The Special Procedures are an important mechanism of the Council for a “genuine dialogue for strengthening the capacity of member states”. It is of utmost importance that mandate holders carry out their duties in conformity with the Code of Conduct as stipulated in Resolution 5/2 and in accordance to their respective mandates.
4. India participated meaningfully in the on-going review process of strengthening the treaty body system and emphasize the need to proceed further through a transparent inter-governmental process.
5. We note with the appreciation the Subsidiary Expert Mechanism of the Council, including the Forums on Social, Minority, Business and Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law provide a unique space for open and interactive dialogue between civil society actors, representatives of United Nations Member States, and intergovernmental organizations.
Thank you,
Madam President.
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