General Comments by India on Consideration of the Resolution on “Terrorism and human rights” at the 51st Session of the Human Rights Council, (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva
(7 October 2022)
Mr. President,
India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasized that “Terrorism is a threat to humanity”. Indeed, terrorism is an attack on the values that define humanity and seriously impairs the enjoyment of human rights, especially the right to life. Without the right to life, all other rights become immaterial and irrelevant. Terrorism poses a serious threat to economic and social development, undermines democracy and jeopardizes the rule of law. It is an attack on freedom of thought, expression and association. While acts of terrorism violate the rights of individual victims, they also deeply impact the enjoyment of a range of human rights by the families of the victims and society as a whole. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to human rights abuses by terrorists. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary to root out terrorism to protect the human rights, of victims, their families and societies.
Mr. President,
2. We welcome that the resolution under consideration encourages all States “inter-alia” to develop comprehensive assistance plans for victims of terrorism and their families and to address the immediate, short-term and long-term needs of victims of terrorism and their families, with regard to their relief and rehabilitation. While we continue to work towards improving our legislative and national systems to support the rights and needs of victims of terrorism, we should not, and must not, lose sight of the right of justice to the victims of cross-border terrorism.
Mr. President,
3. India has suffered from the menace of terrorism including cross-border terrorism, for decades, and has been countering this threat with resolve and firm determination. We hope that the international community will stand united in addressing this threat to humanity with zero tolerance. We commend Egypt and Mexico for pursuing this initiative further in the Council and assure our full support in this regard. We also request all Members to extend unconditional support to this important initiative to combat the menace of terrorism and its severe negative impacts on all human rights and freedoms.
I thank you.
