Statement by India under Agenda Item 6: General debate on Universal Periodic Review at the 55th Session of Human Rights Council
(26 February – 5 April 2024) delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva 26 March 2024
Mr. Vice President,
India continues to firmly believe that the Universal Periodic Review has been the most successful mechanism of the Human Rights Council for the promotion and protection of human rights.
- Its uniqueness stems from being a peer-to-peer instrument that has stayed true to its objectives. The successive cycles of the UPR have contributed to the improvement of the human rights situation on the ground as well as the strengthening of the national institutional and legislative mechanisms aimed at protecting and promoting Human Rights. UPRs have also provided an opportunity for sharing best practices among Member States and have enhanced cooperation among them. It is in this spirit that we have continued to participate in our own review as well as make constructive suggestions in the review of other countries.
Mr. Vice President,
- The present process and modalities of the UPR enjoys universal support. They ensure active participation of all relevant stakeholders and accord due consideration to the concerned States in the outcome of the review, especially in its implementation, taking into account their respective social, political and economic circumstances.
- We believe that the modalities of the review should remain unchanged. It must continue to be a states-driven, action-oriented and intergovernmental process, conducted in an objective, transparent, non-selective, constructive, non-confrontational and non-politicized manner.
- The lack of progress on part of States to implement UPR recommendations has less to do with a lack of willingness but more a result of lack of capacity to achieve identified targets. Therefore, greater emphasis needs to be placed on technical assistance and capacity-building, in consultation with and with the consent of concerned State, for improving the human rights situation on the ground.
- India has been a contributor to the Voluntary Fund for Financial and Technical Assistance in the Implementation of the UPR and we will continue to remain so. We encourage other member states to also contribute to this fund and accordingly strengthen the process of UPR.
I thank you.
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