General Comments by India on consideration of the Resolution on “Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism” at the 49th Session of the Human Rights Council (28 February, 2022 – 1 April. 2022), delivered by Mr. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 31 March 2022)

Mr. President,

           Terrorism violates the basic right of human being i.e. the right to life. In absence of the right to life, all other rights become immaterial and irrelevant. It is also an attack against freedom of thought, expression and association. Terrorism also poses a serious threat to economic and social development, undermines democracy and jeopardizes the rule of law. Acts of terrorism not only violate the rights of individual victims, they also deeply affect the enjoyment of a range of rights by the families of the victims and society as a whole. It is the responsibility of States to provide security to their people and take steps to counter terrorism. In doing so States have to abide by their other obligations including promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms of their people.

Mr. President,

2. 2.India is a vibrant democracy, based on the rule of law and equality before law. Indian Constitution enshrines India's commitment to human rights by guaranteeing to its citizens fundamental civil and political rights, as also the state's obligations on economic, social and cultural rights through special provisions for their progressive realization and enforcement. The Government of India remains committed to realizing the goal of ensuring to its citizens their human rights, while taking measures for countering terrorism.

 Mr.  President,

3. 3.We face today the grave threat of use by terrorists of ICTs, and digital technology platforms and tools such as social media, digital payment systems, video games, encrypted messaging services, cryptocurrencies, drones etc. for perpetrating terrorist acts. In fact, India has been witnessing cross-border terrorist attacks through drones. Countering terrorist narratives, including violent extremism, particularly through internet and other online means, has remained a challenge. Enhanced online presence of young people during pandemic has exposed them to exploitation by terrorist group through hate speech and recruitment.


4. 4.In this changing landscape, understanding the links between online narratives and offline effects remains a priority – because only with strong evidence-based findings that informed interventions can be effectively undertaken to counter the narratives of terrorist groups.


5. 5.In this context, I would like to reiterate the eight-point Action Plan proposed by India’s External Affairs Minister at the Ministerial meeting on 20th Anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1373 (2020) for the UN system to credibly address the menace of terrorism and ensure effective action.

Mr. President,

6. 6.Council must pay attention to serious and grave violations of human rights by terrorists in all forms and manifestation. We welcome the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. We request all Members to show their unwavering commitment to combat the menace of terrorism in order to address its impacts on all human rights and freedoms.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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