Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances at the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council (9 September - 11 October 2024) delivered by Ms. Anupama Singh, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva

[Geneva, 17 September 2024]

We have taken note of the annual report presented by the Working Group (WG) on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances as well as the thematic report on elections.

As the world’s largest democracy, right to life and personal liberty are of paramount importance to us. Our Constitution enshrines human rights as fundamental rights, and a pro-active and independent judiciary upholds them fiercely. The laws made thereunder provide adequate recourse against any aberration, including through the use the writ of habeas corpus.

Other modes of redressals to complaints of enforced and involuntary disappearance are also available, including the power to undertake suo moto cognizance of such instances by the National Human Rights Commission. In appropriate instances, courts and quasi-judicial bodies in India have granted compensation and recommended disciplinary action against erring state officials.

As regards elections, we are proud to have successfully concluded the world’s biggest electoral exercise and elected a government that reflects the will of the people. Thus, we find the comments in the report unwarranted and out of touch with reality, leading to concerns of bias and lack of objectivity.

We would urge the Working Group not to fall prey to motivated political narratives while preparing their report and make greater efforts to uphold the Code of conduct governing their functioning and working methods.

I thank you.