Statement by India under Agenda Item 2: General debate on the oral update by the High Commissioner at the 54th Session of Human Rights Council (11 September-13 October 2023) delivered by Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Permanent Representative of India, Geneva, 13 September 2023
Mr. Vice- President,
1. We regret the reference to India in the oral update of the High Commissioner. The Government of India is fully committed to ensure the welfare of minorities in line with its governance philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, inclusive development for all our citizens.
2. Safeguarding the rights of minorities forms an essential core of our commitment to promote and protect human rights of our people. Our Constitution has enshrined human rights as fundamental rights, including the rights of minorities. Our democratic institutions, including Parliament, independent judiciary, vibrant media and civil society ensure enjoyment of human rights by our citizens, including minorities.
Mr. Vice-President,
3. India’s approach to Human Rights is based on our civilizational ethos, our democratic values, our developmental experience and our commitment to the welfare of entire humanity, as reflected in the motto of India’s G20 Presidency – ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. We have always attached equal importance to all human rights.
4. For ensuring enjoyment of human rights by our people, India has attached a high priority to providing good governance and realizing sustainable and inclusive development. We have undertaken targeted policy initiatives to ensure the welfare of vulnerable sections of our society. We have employed innovative, technology-based solutions to deal with our developmental challenges, including digital transformation of India.
5. We welcome the High Commissioner’s focus on the right to development, to which we attach a high priority. Acutely aware of the challenges faced by the developing countries, we took, at the beginning of our G20 Presidency, the unprecedented step of consulting 125 countries from Global South and placed firmly on the G20’s Agenda the developmental challenges faced by us. An action plan has been agreed by G20 to accelerate implementation of SDGs. We have also been engaged in developmental partnerships with the countries from Global South in order to contribute to their developmental efforts based on their interests and priorities.
6. Let me conclude by expressing our condolences and solidarity with the people of Morocco and Libya.
I thank you.
