Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: General Debate on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development at theat the 52nd Session of Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 17March 2023
Mr. President,
We thank the High Commissioner and his office for the presentation of various reports.
2. The year 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is also the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. We look forward to the commemoration of their seminal contribution to the international human rights framework.
Mr. President,
3. The COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts and the resulting humanitarian as well as food, fuel and fertilisers crises have all been a cause of profound concern over the past three years. Among others,they have led to unsustainable debt burdens for many developing countries. Iniquitous responses by existinginternational institutions have further exacerbated the divide between the Global North and the Global South. On the whole, the human rights agenda has suffered serious setbacks.
4. We reiterate the importance of ensuring universality, objectivity and non-selectivity in the consideration of human rights issues by the Council, and the elimination of double standards and politicization, in line with GA resolution 60/251. We urge for renewed emphasis on constructive international dialogue and cooperation with a view to enhancing the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, without distinction of any kind and in a fair and equal manner.Now, more than ever before,there is need for this Council to ensure balance in its work by giving due attention to the effective enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights.We support mainstreaming of the right to development within the UN system.
5. Emphasis must be placed on the achievement of sustainable development goals as they contribute to the enjoyment of human rights and ensure ‘no one is left behind’. The Council should further promote human rights education and learning as well as provide greater advisory services, technical assistance and capacity-building, in consultation with and with the consent of States concerned.
6. As regards country-specific initiatives, it is of paramount importance that they enjoy the support of the concerned countries so that they may have the desired impact on the ground. This will also promote consensus building on other human rights issues of universal concern.
I thank you.
