Statement by Vice Minister Mr. Pavan Kapoor, Ministry of External Affairs at the Fourth Periodic Review by the Human Rights Committee under International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights at Geneva, Monday 15 July 2024

Madam Chair, and Distinguished Members of the Human Rights Committee,

1. It is my honour to address all of you today. As an ancient civilization of immense diversity and as the world's largest democracy, India has always had abiding faith in the spirit of multilateralism, including for the effective promotion, protection and realization of all human rights.

2. It is our firm belief that human rights issues cannot be approached in isolation, ignoring the complex and intricate relationship between human rights, development, democracy and international cooperation. We remain committed to bring a pluralistic, moderate and balanced perspective to help build bridges across multiple divides in the human rights discourse and practice.

3. India actively engages with global human rights mechanisms with a strong belief that only an approach based on dialogue, consultation and cooperation, with non-selectivity and transparency as guiding principles, will be effective. India is party to six core human rights instruments and a signatory to two more. We are also party to two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Indian members have been serving in various human rights treaty bodies. India has always served continuously as a member of the Human Rights Council since its creation in 2006, except for the two mandatory break years.

Madam Chair,

4. Since independence, India is undeniably ascending on the path of development. Human rights considerations are deeply ingrained in the inclusive development efforts in India that has lifted millions out of poverty. Women’s leadership and political participation, especially at the grassroots level, has played a pivotal role in this context. More than 1.3 million elected women representatives lead in formulation and implementation of public policies at the grassroots level.

5. India has a goal of becoming a developed country by 2047, the 100^th year of our independence from colonial rule. One of the key pillars of achieving this goal is to leverage technology to enhance efficiency and transparency in governance and to deliver public welfare initiatives. We believe this will contribute to the promotion and protection of all human rights in India –economic and social as well as civil and political.

Madam Chair

6. We look forward to a constructive interactive dialogue with the distinguished members of the Committee, and welcome your valuable insights. With your permission, I will now hand over to the co-heads of our delegation, starting with the Learned Attorney General for India and followed by the Learned Solicitor General of India, to make their opening remarks.

Thank you.