Statement by India under General Debate Agenda Item 4: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention at the 51st Session of the Human Rights CouncilCouncil (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India,
(Geneva, 26thSeptember 2022)
Mr. President,
India strongly believes that the Council needs to function in a cooperative, non-confrontational, non-politicized and objective manner. 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.
2.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 the capacity of states 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 situationaround the world.
Mr. President,
3.The global impact of Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts, including in Ukraine, has adversely impacted lives of ordinary people, particularly in the developing countries, with energy and commodity prices spiraling upwards and logisticsupply chains being disrupted globally.
4.India notes with concern a number of worrying trends that require the Council’s heightened attention, among others:
- The alarming levels of foodsupply shortages and disruptions emerging as a global crisis which will derail the efforts of the global south to ensure food security and eradicate hunger in run up to 2030.
- The devastating and aggravated impacts of Climate Change which are more severely felt on the poor and vulnerable especially in developing countries.
- Increase in instances of hate speech and discriminationand an exclusionary approach to combattingreligiophobiarestricting it to only select religions.
- 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.
5.We hope that the Council and its institutions will work together constructively to tackle these issues and work towards global goal of promotion and protection of human rights.
Thank you, Mr. President.