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Statement by India on behalf of LMG countries in the General Debate under Agenda Item 6 at the 48th ..

Statement by India on behalf of LMG countries in the General Debate under Agenda Item 6 at the 48th Session of Human Rights Council (13 September 2021 - 08 October 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [Geneva, 1 October 2021]

Statement by India on behalf of LMG countries in the General Debate under Agenda Item 6 at the 48th Session of Human Rights Council (13 September 2021 - 08 October 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India[Geneva, 1 October 2021]

Madam President,

India has the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Like-Minded Group of countries. The list of supporting States will be updated on HRC Extranet.

GA resolution 60/251 provided for a unique mandate for the Human Rights Council to undertake a Universal Periodic Review of the fulfilment by each State of its human rights obligations and commitments.

We are of the view that the UPR has been an extremely effective mechanism of the Council that enjoys universal support. Envisaged as a cooperative mechanism based on objective and reliable information and on interactive dialogue, with the full involvement of the country concerned, it has advanced its objectives outlined under theInstitution-Building package. It has contributed to the improvement of the human rights situation on the ground. It has led tofulfillment of States’human rights obligations and commitments and assessment of positive developments and challenges faced by them. It has enabled sharing of best practices among States and other stakeholders and cooperation in the promotion and protection of human rights.

We support the present process and modalitiesof the UPR that ensure universal participation and accord due consideration to the concerned State in the outcome of the review, especially in its implementation. The review must continue to be an intergovernmental process, UN Member-driven and action-oriented, conducted in an objective, transparent, non-selective, constructive, non-confrontational and non-politicized manner. We are not in favour of attempts to tinker with its format that may lead to dilution of its widespread appeal. However, considering its importance, we believe that more time should be allotted by the Council for the review process and interpretation services should be ensured for the entire duration of the review.

In our view, lack of progress in the realisation of human rights is not on account of a lack of willingness on the part of States but due to lack of capacity to achieve targets. Therefore, renewed emphasis must be placed in the review on enhancement of the State’s capacity and of technical assistance, in consultation with and with the consent of the concerned State. While considering such capacity-building and technical assistance, of all the recommendations, those that enjoy the support of the concerned State must be focussed upon. This would strengthen the mechanism and lead to the desired impact on the ground. It would also reinforce the Council’s role in the global promotion and protection of all human rights.

Thank you, Madam President.

List of countries that supported the above statement is as under: