Joint Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: General Debate during the 52^nd session of the Human Rights Council (27^th February – 4^th April 2023) delivered by Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Permanent Representative

Geneva, 17^th March 2023

Mr. President,

      I have the honour to deliver this joint statement on behalf of India, South Africa, Mauritius and 86 other Member and Observers. The list of supporting States and the full text of the statement will be updated on HRC Extranet.

2. The year 2023 marks the 75^th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It is also the 30^th anniversary of the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA). These landmark documents reflect universal values, espoused by various civilisations, which constitute the core of the edifice of human rights.

3. As we commemorate the UDHR and VDPA and we reiterate our firm resolve to promote, respect, protect, and fulfil human rights of all persons, it is time to remind ourselves of the contribution of iconic global leaders whose thoughts and ideas have shaped and inspired the UDHR and VDPA and continue to inspire millions globally to this day.

4. In this context, we find that there is a strong resonance in the universal values contained in the UDHR of the ideas and values espoused by Mahatma Gandhi, the Global icon of non-violence. It may be recalled that the UNGA had declared, on 15^th June 2007 his birthday, 2^nd October, as the International Day of Non-Violence. The essence of Gandhiji’s philosophy is to empower individuals and protect their dignity and self-respect, which are also the key goals of the UDHR.

5. Gandhiji’s ‘satyagraha’ ‘insistence on truth’ and non-cooperation movements reflected his faith in efficacy and necessity of use of non-violent means for political and social action against oppression and injustice. Gandhiji’s advocacy of political, social and economic inclusion has been manifest in the UN SDGs, leaving no one behind. Gandhiji was a strong believer in inclusion of women and girls, as well as persons in vulnerable situations, securing and upholding their rights and dignity.

6. The rights of women and girls are an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of universal human rights. Gandhiji advocated for full and equal participation of women in political, civil, economic, social and cultural affairs, at the national, regional and international levels and eradication of all forms of discrimination as was evident in his commitment to the participation of women in his freedom movements.

7. It was Gandhiji's belief that intolerance is the worst form of violence, and that without genuine tolerance no dialogue can have a lasting impact. This thought is manifest in various initiatives within the UN and elsewhere aimed at promoting dialogue among cultures, religions and faiths as well as strengthening mutual understanding. Promotion of tolerance and respect is considered a key to combating the rising scourge of racism, intolerance, hate speech and Xenophobia.

8. Mahatma’s advocacy of ‘sarvodaya’ or ‘welfare and development of all’ continues to be pertinent in promoting the basic human rights of equality and non-discrimination. Along with ‘Antyodaya’ or the ‘upliftment of the poorest and most deprived’, Sarvodaya is a clarion call for inclusive development. His belief that the world has enough for everyone’s needs but not to satisfy everyone’s greed is at the heart of the global goal of sustainable development that the 2030 Agenda seeks to achieve.

9. Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of the rich acting as trustee of the disadvantaged and poor provides a pragmatic model of development that aims to share the benefits of economic growth with all segments of the society. Gandhiji’s view that businesspersons commit to uphold their social responsibility, is among the moral and philosophical foundations of Business and Human Rights agenda.

10. Mahatma Gandhi’s call for strengthening cottage industries was aimed at inclusive industrialization as well as preservation and promotion of local traditions of crafts, leading to growth and prosperity in the villages. His opposition to mindless consumption provides a basis for global promotion of sustainable lifestyles, conducive to reducing carbon footprint and mitigate global warming.

11. The five core concepts that Mahatma Gandhi espoused for a peaceful and just world: Ahimsa (non-violence); Satyagraha (truth force that guides non-violent resistance); Sarvodaya (welfare of all); Swaraj (self-rule) and Trusteeship (custodianship of the earth and sustainable use of natural resources) are also the core principles underlining the UN Charter and UDHR.

I thank you.

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As on 18th April 2023

List of countries supporting the Joint Statement on ‘Resonance of Thoughts and Values of Mahatma Gandhi in the UDHR’ under Agenda Item 3: General Debate