Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 36th Session (2-13 November 2020): 3rd UPR of Belarus - Interactive Dialogue, delivered by Shri Pawan Badhe, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [Geneva, 02 November 2020
Madam President,
India warmly welcomes the delegation of Belarus and thank the delegation for their comprehensive presentation. We take positive note of Belarus’s continued efforts towards improving of national human rights-related legislations and collaboration with relevant UN treaty bodies.
2. We take note with appreciation of Belarus’s constructive engagement with the thematic Special procedures and its standing invitation to the mandate holders of the HRC. We also appreciate Belarus’s appointment of national coordinator to oversee the fulfilment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to achieve the SDGs.
3. In the spirit of constructive cooperation, India makes the following recommendations to Belarus:
(a) Consider establishing a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris principles.
(b) Continue to make efforts to provide educational facilities and opportunities to girls and women and also advance equal access to vocational training facilities.
(c) take further steps towards enhancing freedom of expression of the media as well as freedom of association and peaceful assembly.
(d) continue its efforts in the field of training and human resource development for combating human trafficking.
4. We wish the delegation of Belarus all success in its review.
Thank you, Madam President.
