Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defendersat the 49th Session of the Human Rights Council (28 February – 01 April 2022) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India

(Geneva, 11 March 2022)

Mr. President,

We take note of the Special Rapporteur’s reportthat highlights theserious issues confronted globallyby human rights defenders working against corruption.

India values the work done by human rights defenders, including whistle blowers and activists. We strongly condemn instances of harassment, intimidation, smear campaigns and violent attacks against them and their family members. We attach the highest importance to the safety and security of every Indian citizen, including ourhuman rights defenders.

The National Human Rights Commission of India has set up a dedicated focal point for receiving and examining complaints about alleged violation of human rights of humanrights defenders. It has made efforts to strengthen its complaint handling mechanism through promotion of online submission of complaints and utilization of common Service Centres in the country for enhancing its outreach. The complaints received are processed on priority and taken up with the concerned authorities for ensuring protection to the human rights defenders as well as redressal of their grievances.

Mr. President,

India is committed to ensuring a safe working environment for people engaged in promotion and protection of human rights. At the same time, we believe that the activities of the human rights defenders should be in conformity with the law of the land and the rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India.

We hopeto remain constructively engaged with the Special Rapporteur.

Thank you, Mr. President.