Statement by India on Agenda Item 6: General Debate on Universal Periodic Review at the 45th Session of the Human Rights Council (14 September – 07 October 2020) delivered by Mr. Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [Geneva, 30 September 2020] Statement by India on Agenda Item 6: General Debate on Universal Periodic Review at the 45th Session..

Statement by India on Agenda Item 6: General Debate on Universal Periodic Review at the 45th Session of the Human Rights Council (14 September – 07 October 2020) delivered by Mr. Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [Geneva, 30 September 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 review should focus on all human rights in equal measure and any undue focus on a particular set of rights may be counterproductive.

3. It is clear that the short time allotted for universal periodic review has prevented states from having fruitful exchange of views. India is of the view that sufficient time should be allotted in the HRC for the review to have meaningful discussions.

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 could contribute towards the improvement of the human rights situation on the ground. It is therefore important to focus technical assistance and capacity building towards implementation of accepted UPR recommendations, with the 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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