Statement by India under General Debate, Agenda Item 8 : Follow up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action at 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, 25 March 2022)

Mr. Vice-President,

         The adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (‘VDPA’) nearly three decades ago was a watershed moment in the global promotion and protection of human rights.

             The Declaration’s pronouncement that all human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent and interrelated led to a fundamental shift in the human rights discourse that had viewed them through a hierarchical prism of first, second and third generation rights until then. Its clarion call to the international community to treat human rights globally in a fair and equal manner and on the same footing was a welcome step.

           We appreciate the link between democracy, development and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, which the VDPA has underscored. We fully agree with its acknowledgement of the fact that terrorism in all its forms is aimed at the destruction of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy and threatens territorial integrity and security of States. Its recommendation to enhance cooperation to prevent and combat terrorism is just as relevant today for the international community. By giving due emphasis to the right to development, rights of women, girl-child, minorities, children, disabled and other marginalised groups, it has furthered their realisation.     

           While progress has been made in fulfilment of human rights obligations by States over the years, there is a long way to go in ensuring enjoyment of human rights by the people. This progress has suffered further setbacks as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Vice-President,

       India has guaranteed to its citizens all the basic human rights as fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. We have created enabling legal and institutional frameworks for the people to enjoy their rights. Globally, we have contributed to promotion and protection of human rights through technical assistance, capacity building and our developmental partnerships. We have supplied more than 167 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to 96 countries and 2 UN entities in the form of grant, through commercial export or the COVAX facility since January 2021 contributing to dealing with vaccine inequity, especially in the developing world.

Mr. Vice-President,

We are of the view that the gaps in the progressive realisation of human rights should be addressed in a fair and just manner, guided by the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity, constructive international dialogue and cooperation and with due respect to principles of non-interference in internal affairs of States and their national sovereignty.

As acknowledged in the VDPA, the primary role of promotion and protection of human rights lies with the States. India supports the view that the efforts of the Council and its mechanisms should supplement and strengthen the national efforts of States. The Council should place renewed emphasis on providing technical assistance and capacity building, in consultation with and with the consent of the concerned State, for improvement of human rights situation on the ground.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.