Statement by India under Agenda Item 8 : General debate on the follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action at the52nd Session of Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) delivered byDr. P.R. Thulasidass, Under Secretary, Geneva, 29 March 2023
Mr. Vice-President,
The adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action marked the broadest political consensus achieved in the field of human rights by the international community since the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On the occasion of its 30th anniversary, India duly appreciates the seminal contribution of this landmark instrument to the mainstreaming of human rights.
The Declaration’s pronouncement that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated is fundamental to the present-day conception of human rights. Its call on the international community to treat human rights globally in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing, and with the same emphasis dispelled the artificial divide between economic, social and cultural rights on one hand and civil and political rights on the other. It remains just as relevant today. The outbreak of the pandemic has brought to fore the need to pay equal attention to the realization of economic, social and cultural rights, at par with civil and political rights, in the work of the Council as well as of the Office of the High Commissioner.
We fully endorse the acknowledgment that terrorism is aimed at the destruction of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy, threatening territorial integrity, security of States and destabilising legitimately constituted governments. Thirty years down the line, terrorism has been significantly countered and its justification de-legitimized. Effective counterterrorism measures, support for the victims of terrorism and the protection of human rights are not conflicting goals, but complementary and mutually reinforcing.
We are of the view that inclusion of wide-ranging human rights, such as the right to development, rights of women, girl-child, minorities, disabled persons and other vulnerable groups, in the Declaration has led to their progressive realisation.
Mr. Vice-President,
We entirely agree that the primary responsibility for promotion and protection of human rights lies with the States. The Council should supplement States’ national efforts by providing greater technical assistance and capacity building, in consultation with and with the consent of the concerned States, for improvement of human rights situation on the ground.
On its part, India has been resolutely committed to ensuring the enjoyment of human rights by our people, including inclusive and sustainable development. We have also contributed to the global human rights agenda through technical assistance, capacity building and our developmental partnerships.
I thank you.
