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Joint Statement by India and Like Minded Group (LMG) of countries under Agenda Item 10: General deba..

Joint Statement by India and Like Minded Group (LMG) of countries under Agenda Item 10: General debate on technical assistance and capacity-building 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, 3 April 2024

Joint Statement by India and Like Minded Group (LMG) of countries under Agenda Item 10: General debate on technical assistance and capacity-building at the 55^th Session of Human Rights Council (26 February – 5 April 2024) delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 3 April 2024

Madam Vice-President,

1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of a Like Minded Group of States. The complete list of co-sponsors will be uploaded to the extranet.

2. We reiterate our continued support for having a dedicated agenda item on technical assistance and capacity building. We believe that the Council and its mechanisms should focus on enabling Member States to develop their respective national institutions and capacities through rendering appropriate technical assistance. Technical assistance and capacity building go a long way in strengthening appropriate institutions and bridging inequality through skilling of the concerned individuals, stakeholders and communities, thereby bringing positive changes at the grassroots level.

3. We also reiterate that discussions in the Council under Agenda Item 10 must be aimed at addressing the needs of the concerned countries, and not become a proxy for undue politicization. The founding resolutions of the Council, its institution building packages as well as the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action clearly mandate that any technical assistance rendered to States should be upon their explicit request and should be aligned to their national objectives and priorities. The accepted UPR recommendations and pledges provide a good starting point to develop and strengthen technical cooperation.

4. It is also pertinent to note that when technical cooperation is carried with the consent of the state, and their active participation, efficacy and sustainability are assured, thus assisting in the achievement of objectives set out at the start of the entire process.

5. In conclusion, Madam Vice-President, the Like Minded Group calls upon all States to give priority to Agenda Item 10 and facilitate an exchange of non-political views regarding the role of the Council in promoting and protecting human rights on the ground.

I thank you.

List of co-sponsors