Statement by India under Agenda Item 6 : General debate on Universal Periodic Review at the 52nd Session of Human Rights Council
(27 February – 4 April 2023) delivered by Mr. Deepak Shinde, Deputy Secretary,
Geneva on 28th March 2023
Mr. Vice-President,
1. As the Universal Periodic Review commences its fourth cycle, India continues to firmly believe that it is the most successful mechanism of the Human Rights Council for the promotion and protection of human rights.
2. It is a unique peer-to-peer instrument that has achieved its objectives outlined in GA resolution 60/251. It has contributed to the improvement of the human rights situation on the ground. It has provided an opportunity for sharing best practices among Member States and has enhanced cooperation among them. It is in this spirit that we participated in our own review most recently. Our report was adopted by the Council yesterday.
Mr. Vice- President,
3. The present process and modalities of the UPR enjoy universal support. They ensure active participation of all relevant stakeholders and accord due consideration to the concerned States in the outcome of the review, especially in its implementation, taking into account their respective social, political and economic circumstances. We appreciate the facilitative role of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the review process.
4. We reiterate that the modalities of the review should not be tinkered with. It must continue to be an intergovernmental process, UN Member-driven and action-oriented, conducted in an objective, transparent, non-selective, constructive, non-confrontational and non-politicized manner.
5. In our view, the lack of progress on part of States to implement UPR recommendations has less to do with a lack of willingness but more a result of lack of capacity to achieve identified targets. Therefore, greater emphasis needs to be placed on technical assistance and capacity-building, in consultation with and with the consent of concerned State, for improving the human rights situation on the ground. In this context, we appreciate the support provided by the Voluntary Funds for Participation in the UPR and for Financial and Technical Assistance in the Implementation of the UPR to developing countries, especially the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS). For this reason, we have also been contributing to the Voluntary Fund for Financial and Technical Assistance in the Implementation of the UPR.
I thank you.
