Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: General debate on promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development at the 54th Session of Human Rights Council (11 September - 13 October 2023) delivered by Dr. P.R. Thulasidass, Under Secretary, Geneva, 20 September 2023
Mr. President,
We thank the OHCHR for the presentation of various reports.
2. While the COVID-19 pandemic is now no longer considered a global health emergency, however, the human rights agenda continues to bear its lasting impact. The world is still grappling with serious geo-political, economic, environmental and social crises. The shortages of food, finance, fuel and fertilizers are disproportionately affecting the people in the countries of the Global South. The world finds itself set off course from achieving the targets of SDGs and consequently, of human rights objectives.
3. Against this backdrop, it is important that the Council pays equal attention to the promotion and protection of all human rights, including the right to development.
4. We reaffirm that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. Therefore, we support the strengthening of OHCHR’s work for the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. In our view, it should focus on supplementing the national efforts of States to tackle the key challenges faced by them through the provision of technical assistance and capacity building with their consent and at their request.
5. We also 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. Country-specific initiatives must enjoy the support of the countries concerned, for improving the situation on the ground.
6. We look forward to the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of UDHR later this year in Geneva and around the world. It is an opportune time for us to reflect on its foundational principles and values. We have come far in securing the rights and freedoms of our peoples. With renewed commitment, we are confident that we will go farther.
Mr. President,
7. A Member State with an abysmal record of promoting and protecting human rights of its own people, including its ethnic and religious minorities, brought a bilateral issue to this august forum in this meeting. It is regretful that the sanctity of this platform was again predictably demeaned. We reject their unfounded and baseless allegations. We hope that they introspect on where they find themselves, and what has brought them there.
I thank you.
