Statement by India under Agenda Item 2: Interactive Dialogue on the Annual Report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights delivered by Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Permanent Representative of India

[Geneva 20^th June 2023]

Mr.  President,

We thank the High Commissioner for presentation of his annual report and take note of the initiatives being taken by the High Commissioner and his Office.  We fully support the Council and all its mechanisms and cooperate with them and will continue to do so in future.

Mr. President,

As the world’s largest democracy, India is committed to promotion and protection of human rights of its citizens, enabled by our inclusive and participative democratic polity and society and focused efforts to provide good governance and realize sustainable development. Our various developmental initiatives are aimed to empower the vulnerable sections of our society by improving their access to education, housing, foodgrains, healthcare, energy, sanitation, water supply, social protection, employment opportunities, businesses and finance, which have enabled people to fully enjoy their basic human rights.

Mr. President,

As we celebrate the 75 years of UDHR and 30 years of VDPA, we believe that global promotion and protection of all human rights, including the right to development, in a fair and equitable manner, should be central to the mandate of OHCHR. We appreciate the priority being given to Right to Development and we are committed to supporting the activities of OHCHR, including through financial contribution. We have been making voluntary contributions and we will continue to do so.

I thank you.