Permanent Mission of India

Geneva

26th session of the Human Rights Council

(10-27 June 2014)

Resolution on the Protection of family

Statement by India

Mr. President,

1. It is universally recognised that the family is the basic unit of society and as such should be strengthened.  The family is therefore, entitled to receive comprehensive protection and support.  We, therefore, believe that it is only fitting that the Human Rights Council should discuss on how to further the protection of the family including by sharing best practices.

2. India has always sought to protect the family and nurture respect for family values including the concept of extended or joint family. Individual rights of members of the family in particular the rights of women and children are covered in the International convention on elimination of discrimination of women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child respectively. India is a party to both these instruments. Our commitment to protect women and children in accordance with our obligation remains a high priority.

3. In this regard, we believe that the resolution is short and procedural and has rightly left the space for every country to interpret its own understanding of the family.  We, therefore, do not believe that the panellists need to be given any directive on the nature of the family, which the proposed amendment does. We had therefore supported the no- action motion on the amendment contained in L.37. For the same reasons above, we will vote for the resolution.

*********