Statement by India under Agenda Item 5: Interactive Dialogue with Advisory Committee, at the 48th Session of Human Rights Council (13 September – 08 October 2021) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 30 September 2021) Statement by India under Agenda Item 5: Interactive Dialogue with Advisory Committee, at the 48th Se..

Statement by India under Agenda Item 5: Interactive Dialogue with Advisory Committee, at the 48th Session of Human Rights Council (13 September – 08 October 2021) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 30 September 2021)

 

Statement by India under Agenda Item 5: Interactive Dialogue with Advisory Committee, at the 48th Session of Human Rights Council (13 September – 08 October 2021) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 30 September 2021)

 

 

Madam President,

 

We thank the Advisory Committee for the activities that it has undertaken this year.

 

2. We take note of the reports and research-based studies submitted to the Council, as mandated. Some of the notable activities which include, the study report on the negative effects of terrorism on the enjoyment of all human rights and a research-based report on the new and emerging technologies and human rights.

 

3. Terrorism deprives the people from their inalienable human rights to life and to live in peace and security. It poses a serious threat to economic and social development, undermines democracy and jeopardizes the rule of law. It is an attack against freedom of thought, expression and association. While the world is grappling with Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to augment cooperation among the member States in our common fight against terrorism.

 

4. As regards the new and emerging technologies and human rights, we believe that the new and emerging technology can be a useful tool in enabling people to enjoy all their basic human rights. In India, digital technology has proved invaluable in pushing back the COVID-19 pandemic. It has enabled contact tracing, vaccine delivery, online and mobile-based diagnosis; and targeted delivery of welfare, including food rations for 800 million persons and cash transfers to 400 million persons. In addition to Digital India programme, Government of India has launched recently, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission which seeks to provide a unique digital health ID to Indian citizens.

 

5. We look forward to the new proposals and priorities of the Advisory Committee.

 

6. My delegation values the work done by the Advisory Committee and reiterate our firm commitment and support to it.

 

I thank you, Madam President.

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