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Joint Statement by India on behalf of Like-Minded Group at the 49th Session of the Human Rights Coun..

Joint Statement by India on behalf of Like-Minded Group at the 49th Session of the Human Rights Council (28 February – 1 April 2022) under General Debate, Agenda Item 6, delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 24 March 2022)

Joint Statement by India on behalf of Like-Minded Group at the 49^th Session of the Human Rights Council (28 February – 1 April 2022) under General Debate, Agenda Item 6, delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 24 March 2022)

Mr. President,

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

2.We are of the view that the Universal Periodic Review of the fulfilment by each State of its human rights obligations and commitments is a unique and highly effective mechanism of the Human Rights Council that enjoys universal support.

3.UNGA Resolution 60/251 that established the Council envisaged the UPR as a cooperative mechanism, based on objective and reliable information and an interactive dialogue, with the full participation of the country concerned and with due consideration to its capacity-building needs. Now in its third cycle, the UPR has been successfully advancing these objectives as well as those outlined in the Council’s Institution-Building package.

4.We firmly believe that the UPR has contributed to improvements in the human rights situations on the ground. It has enabled States to better fulfil their human rights obligations and to become aware of not only positive developments but also the challenges being faced by the States under review. It has further enabled the sharing of best practices among States and other stakeholders and cooperation in the promotion and protection of human rights.

5.We support the present process and modalities of the review that ensure the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations and national human rights institutions, and accord due consideration to the concerned State in the outcome of the review, especially in its implementation. It must continue to be a UN Member-driven and action oriented intergovernmental process conducted in an objective, transparent, non-selective, constructive, non‑confrontational and non‑politicized manner.

6.We are not in favour of the attempts to tinker with the UPR’s format that may lead to dilution of its universal appeal. At the same time, considering its importance and effectiveness, it is felt that sufficient time should be allotted by the Council for the UPR to ensure meaningful participation of all stakeholders, especially the State under review and quality interpretation services must be provided for its entire duration.

7.Renewed emphasis needs to be placed by the Council on the enhancement of States’ capacity and provision of technical assistance, in consultation with, and with the consent of, the concerned State. While considering such capacity-building and assistance, the focus should be on implementation of the recommendations accepted by the concerned State so that there is positive change in the human rights situation on the ground and the Council’s goal of global promotion and protection of all human rights is realised.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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