Permanent Mission of India

Geneva

UPR WORKING GROUP – NINETEENTH SESSION

[28 April – 9 May 2014]

UPR OF BHUTAN

(30 April 2014)

INTERVENTION BY INDIA

Mr.President, 

 1.India warmly welcomes the delegation of Bhutan led by H.E. Lyonpo Damcho Dorji, Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs.  We thank the delegation for the National Report and its presentation.

2. The wide-ranging legislative, institutional and policy measures undertaken by Bhutan since its first UPR amply reflect its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. 

3. Bhutan’s commitment to democracy, free media, and building a modern and progressive State deserves strong appreciation by all countries.  We recommend that steps be taken by Bhutan to expedite public access to information through the Right to Information Bill.

4. We commend it’s achievements in poverty reduction and improvement in the literacy rate including adult literacy, which won Bhutan 2012 UNESCO Prize for Literacy. 

5. We also commend Bhutan’s efforts in consolidating the democratic process and its successful holding of Parliamentary election in 2013.  We recommend that Bhutan take measures to increase the political participation of women.

6. Indeed, there is much to learn from Bhutan especially its pursuit of economic growth and sustainable development that is neither at the expense of the eco-system nor its social and cultural traditions.

7. As a close and friendly neighbour of Bhutan, India understands the challenges that Bhutan faces in the promotion and protection of human rights.  We remain committed to stand by Bhutan in its quest for greater prosperity and happiness and wish it all success. 

    Thank you Mr. President.