Statement by India under Agenda Item 10: General debate on technical assistance and capacity‑building 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, 11 October 2023

Mr. President,

  We thank the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for the presentation of their reports.

 2. India strongly believes that the the primary responsibility for promotion and protection of human rights lies with States. In order to supplement States’ national efforts, the Council should provide greater technical assistance and capacity building, in consultation with and with the consent of the concerned States, for the improvement of human rights situation on the ground.

 3. We are of the view that the sanctity of agenda item 10 should be maintained, and its politicisation should be avoided. The gaps in the progressive realisation of human rights should be addressed in a fair and just manner, guided by the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity, constructive international dialogue and cooperation and with due respect to principles of non-interference in internal affairs of States and their national sovereignty.

Mr. President, 

 4. The unprecedented and multiple crises that the world has been faced with over the last few years, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, have led to setbacks to the human rights agenda, especially in the countries of the Global South. There is serious need to enhance States’ capacity and provide technical assistance, in consultation with, and with the consent of the concerned State. The UPR recommendations supported by States provide a good framework to develop and strengthen technical cooperation.

 5. Adequate resources must be allocated to the UN Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights enabling it to support the States in strengthening their human rights framework. In this regard, we note with concern the increasing funding deficit. India made its modest annual voluntary contribution of USD 400,000 to the UN Voluntary Funds for 2022.

Mr. President, 

 6. Development cooperation, especially South-South cooperation, is a pillar of India’s foreign policy and has always been guided by our partners’ development priorities. It is exemplified by our flagship training and capacity building programme, the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme that covers over 160 countries; our grants-in-aid projects of over USD 4 billion as well as our concessional Lines of Credit to more than 64 countries.

I thank you.