Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 General Debate on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development at the 55thRegular Session of the Human Rights Council (26 Feb – 5 Apr2024), delivered by Mr. Gaurav Kumar Thakur, Counsellor
Geneva, 15 March 2024
Mr. Vice President,
1. The multiple crises facing the world have highlighted glaring global inequities. They have led to unsustainable debt burdens for developing countries, global poverty increasingfor the first time in several years and serious setbacks to the achievement of the SDGs. This is exacerbated by the increasing negative impacts of climate change,food shortages and widening inequality.
2. We believe that the right to development is at the heart of the human rights discourse, like a thread that strings together political, economic, civil, social, and cultural rights. Sustainable, equity-based, and inclusive development generates greater social justice and reduces exploitationand inequalities. Sustainability, equity, and inclusivity formboth an end as well as means to the right to development. These core principlescanlead nations and societies on a virtuous cycle of poverty elimination, progress and development.
Mr. Vice President,
3. During the thematic debates underAgenda Item 3, we have dwelt at length on various aspects of the encompassing vision of human rights. Reiterating the universality, objectivity, and non-selectivity of human rights, we emphasize the importance of avoiding double standards and politicization. We urge the Council for renewed emphasis on constructive dialogue and cooperation, with a view to enhancing the promotion and protection of all human rights, including the right to development, without distinction of any kind and in a fair and equitablemanner.
4. Renewed emphasis must be placed on the achievement of SDGs as they contribute to the enjoyment of human rights and ensure that ‘no one is left behind’. The Council should also promote human rights education, technical assistance and capacity-building, with the consent of States concerned.
I thank you.
