Statement by India under Agenda Item 2: General Debate on Oral Update of the High Commissioner at the 51st Session of Human Rights Council (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Permanent Representative of India (13 September 2022)
Mr. President,
I thank the Acting High Commissioner for her oral update. I congratulate Mr. Volker Turk on his appointment as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and assure him of India’s full cooperation in fulfilment of his responsibilities.
2. We recently celebrated 75th anniversary of our independence. We have made significant strides, during these 75 years, in spite of huge challenges that we have faced, in ensuring that our people enjoy all their human rights. India’s democratic and inclusive polity, independent judiciary, rule of law, free media, and active civil society organisations have contributed in meeting our human rights obligations, which are enshrined in our constitution as fundamental rights. The Government remains committed to take all requisite steps to meet India’s human rights commitments.
3. India’s developmental missions have contributed to enjoyment of basic human rights by our people. The Government’s targeted policy measures have resulted in empowering and improving the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalized segments of our society. During Covid pandemic, we succeeded in our efforts aimed at saving both lives and livelihoods. During the present phase of recovery and rebuilding, the Government has continued its focus on improving universal access to education, housing, healthcare, social protection, employment, as well as providing good governance to people.
4. India has employed innovation and technology-based solutions to deal with developmental challenges. People-centric and citizen-friendly digital technologies, with special focus on women, youth and other vulnerable segments have been deployed for digital transformation of India.
5. India believes that promotion and protection of human rights are best pursued through dialogue, consultation and cooperation among States and provision of technical assistance and capacity building. We also believe that any shortcomings in fulfilling their human rights obligations by States must be assessed and addressed in a transparent and impartial manner.
6. We will soon be undergoing the 4th cycle of Universal Periodic Review and we are looking forward to engaging constructively with fellow member States in this regard.
7. In line with our abiding commitment to global promotion and protection of human rights, we have made a voluntary contribution of USD 400,000 to various UN Trust Funds. We will continue our constructive engagement with the Council and the OHCHR for global promotion and protection of human rights.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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