Statement by India under General Debate Agenda Item 4: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention at the 49^th Session of the Human Rights Council (28 February – 1 April 2022) delivered by Mr. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India

  [Geneva, 21^st March, 2022]

Mr. President,

The Human Rights Council, since its inception, as a successor to the Commission on Human Rights, has continued to grapple with ideological and political divides. The Council was envisaged as a platform for providing impetus to international cooperation and collaboration for realization of the goal of global promotion and protection of all human rights for all.  However, it has not been successful in achieving this goal in full measure.

We strongly believe that the Council should promote and protect all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, in a fair and balanced manner. The human rights agenda, including the Council’s contribution towards prevention of human rights violations, must be pursued in an impartial manner with due respect for the principles and purposes of the UN Charter.

The discourse in the Council continues to be politicized and polarized. There is lack of time and opportunities for building consensus and the Council has adopted some resolutions with support of less than half of its Member States. The Council needs to function in a constructive, non-confrontational, non-politicized and objective manner.

We reiterate our concern at the perpetuation and proliferation of country specific mandates under this agenda item, focusing selectively on human rights situation in a few countries. The deliberations in the Council under this Agenda Item have been unproductive and non-conducive to realization of the intended goals of promotion and protection of human rights.

It is important that the Council focuses on creating a conducive environment, both at the national and global levels, under which States are encouraged and enabled to fulfill their human rights obligations. We believe that enhancement of State’s capacity through technical assistance and capacity building measures, in consultation with and with the consent of the States concerned, is the best way towards improving the human rights situation. It is important that while rendering technical assistance and capacity building the priority is accorded to implementation of accepted UPR recommendations.

Mr. President,

We also remain concerned by the impact of terrorism and violent extremism on the enjoyment of human rights by people globally. Terrorism deprives its victims of the inalienable human right 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. We urge the Council to not remain immune to the devastating human rights impact of terrorism. The Council must continue to send the message that it unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestation and must hold accountable the countries which provide support to terrorist groups.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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