General Statement by India during 18th Session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (12-23 October 2020) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 12 October 2020)
Mr Chair,
My delegation would like to join the other delegates in congratulating on your re-election as Chairperson – Rapporteur of this important session of the Intergovernmental Working Group and welcome the opening statement of the High Commission for Human Rights.
Mr Chair,
2. Racism and Racial Discrimination are the most pervasive acts that often lead to serious violation of human rights. It is regrettable that the international community is currently witnessing intensified forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
3. To counter this abhorrent practice, the founding fathers of India built in adequate safeguards in our Constitution, against racism and racial discrimination, enshrining the basic value of equality. While Article 14 of the Constitution of India clearly states that the principle of equality cannot be denied, Article 15 expressly prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race. These two articles reflect the fundamental principles and values that are an integral part of the fabric that binds together a diverse country like India.
Mr Chair,
4. India recognises the importance of international and regional efforts in combating racism and racial discrimination. Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) is a notable achievement in this regard, aimed at developing international standards to strengthen and update international instruments against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in all aspects.
5. As we will be commemorating the 20th anniversary of the adoption of DDPA in 2021, this is an opportune time to create greater political will and momentum internationally to develop more effective measures to enhance the implementation of Durban Programme. International campaign will bear fruits only when, we, in our own countries promulgate stringent national laws, strictly implement them and most importantly, ensure that attitudes of people are changed. Perhaps, the most definitive guarantee against racial prejudice, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance is development and nurturing of multi-cultural, democratic and pluralistic traditions with the inculcation of values of tolerance and respect for diversity; and implementation of appropriate educational and legislative strategies.
Mr Chair,
6. In conclusion, we express our firm commitment to the work of the Intergovernmental Working Group and looks forward to the constructive discussions in the coming days.
I thank you, Mr Chair.
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