Statement by India under Agenda Item 8: General Debate at the 54th Session of Human Rights Council (11 September - 13 October 2023) delivered by Mr. Mohammed Hussain K.S., First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 4 October 2023
Mr. President,
1. The World Conference on Human Rights of 1993 led to the unanimous adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA), a milestone document that has strengthened the foundation laid by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for the promotion and protection of human rights. Its pronouncement of the universality, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of all human rights and its call to treat civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights equally and on the same footing are extremely relevant to date.
2. We support VDPA’s emphasis on the strong interlinkage between democracy, development and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Its inclusion of a wide range of human rights, such as the right to development, rights of women, girl-child, minorities, disabled persons and other vulnerable groups, has led to their progressive realization globally. We fully agree with its acknowledgement of the fact that terrorism in all its forms is aimed at the destruction of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy and threatens territorial integrity and security of States.
Mr. President,
3. The human rights agenda has suffered serious setbacks over the last few years with the world facing unprecedented and multiple crises. From the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to disruptions in supply chains and shrinking fiscal space, it is the vulnerable people in the countries of the Global South that have been disproportionately affected. The divide between the two sets of rights, unfortunately, persists in the human rights discourse, including in this Council. We are of the view that there is need to further strengthen the work of the OHCHR in the field of economic, social and cultural rights.
4. As we mark the 30th anniversary of VDPA this year, we must collectively reaffirm our commitment to its ideals. On its part, India has been steadfastly making efforts to ensuring the fullest enjoyment of human rights by our people and realise sustainable development. Only last month, the Parliament of India unanimously adopted a historic legislation that provides for affirmative action for women in our Lok Sabha, i.e. the Lower House, and State Legislative Assemblies. Allowing for reservation of 33% of seats, this is a major step for women’s empowerment and achieving gender equality, as acknowledged by OHCHR.
Mr. President,
5. We regret that a country with an abysmal record of protecting the human rights of its own ethnic and religious minorities has misused this august platform yet again to target India. We reject their false and baseless propaganda. We advise this delegation to end State-sponsored and State-condoned persecution of and discrimination against its minorities instead of indulging in empty rhetoric in the Council.
I thank you.
