Statement by India at the exchange of views with Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts and Chairpersons of Working Groups of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council delivered by Ambassador Priyanka Chauhan, Deputy Permanent Representative of India, Geneva, (16 June 2023)
Madam Chair,
We thank the Coordination Committee for organising this exchange of views between Member States and Special Procedures mandate holders. As we mark the 75th anniversary of UDHR and the 30th anniversary of VDPA, it is important that we assess the achievements of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms as well as reflect on their shortcomings, to strengthen these institutions for achieving the objectives for which they have been established.
2. Let me begin by expressing our appreciation for the work being done by various Special Procedures mandate holders. We are committed to constructively engaging with them and sharing relevant information with them regarding promotion and protection of human rights of our people, as pertains to their mandate. In this spirit, we have been briefing many of them on our initiatives as well as the challenges faced by us. It has been our endeavour to respond to their communications and requests for information received, in so far as possible.
3. However, we have noticed certain disturbing tendencies in the conduct of the mandate holders that raise serious questions about their commitment to comply with the Code of Conduct, as elaborated in HRC resolution 5/2, and working methods of Special Procedures.
4. Last month, a press release related to India was issued by a Special Rapporteur on a social media platform, without following the established procedure for issuance of such press releases and their substance. Contrary to established practice, prior information was not conveyed to us about this press release and social media posts in advance of their issuance. We were also not requested for any inputs or comments before its issuance, as per the protocol followed. To date, we have not received any official communication about this press release and social media posts. This calls into question the status of this press release and social media posts. The conduct of the relevant Special Rapporteur whose unwarranted, factually incorrect and biased comments were motivated by political considerations and malafide intentions, as is evident from the timing of the press release. They were related to a subject matter that was beyond the mandate given to the concerned Special Rapporteur by the Council, as is evident from the timing of the press release.
5. In our view, such actions lead to erosion of trust in the institution of Special Procedures mandate holders, and undermines their credibility and effectiveness.
6. It is imperative that mandate holders always remain mindful of the Code of Conduct and the working methods of Special Procedures. They must refrain from promoting themselves by resorting to misuse of social media platforms. They should also not try to expand their mandate by bringing within its fold issues that are not directly related to the scope of their work. They must take in to account the perspectives of and the information provided by Member States. They should not let their personal prejudices and biases cloud their vision and perception and misuse their position.
Madam Chair,
7. Greater cooperation between Special Procedures mandate holders and Member States is the need of the hour for furthering the agenda of the Council. We, on our part, shall continue to engage Special Procedures and extend our full support in realization of this goal.
I thank you.
