Permanent Mission of India

Geneva

22nd Special Session of the Human Rights Council

“The human rights situation in Iraq in light of abuses committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and associated groups”

Monday, 01 September 2014

Intervention by India

Mr. President,

1. India is deeply concerned at the recent events in Iraq. The escalation of violence poses a serious challenge to the stability of the country with deep ramifications for the region and beyond. We strongly condemn the innocent killing of civilians and the deliberate targeting of ethnic and religious minorities by the self proclaimed ISIL. Government of India also strongly condemns actions of ISIL in taking over of some cities, which is a direct threat to the security and territorial integrity of Iraq.

2. India is grateful for the support received from the government and people of Iraq in the successful evacuation of Indian nationals in Iraq.  The safety and security of the Indian nationals that remain in Iraq continues to be a matter of serious concern for us.

Mr. President,

3. The Council must play a central role in denouncing terrorism which poses the biggest threat to our common efforts towards peace, security and development and undermines the very foundation of freedom and democracy, enjoyment of human rights, including the most fundamental of them all, the right to life. Given the global nature of terrorism that knows no boundaries, States must strengthen their resolve to fight it in any form that it exists.

4. It has been well established that the practical task of protecting and promoting human rights is primarily a national one, for which each State must be responsible. States can carry out this responsibility effectively only if there are sound and strong national mechanisms and democratic institutions, which have been developed taking the local, cultural and traditional contexts into account. India has, therefore, consistently advocated a collaborative approach in the Human Rights Council, allowing for greater national/country-led initiatives to uphold and promote human rights. Human rights are best protected when national mechanisms are strengthened and not by weakening them.  Our endeavour today, therefore, needs to focus on strengthening and supporting national institutions in Iraq in its fight against terrorism and upholding human rights.

Mr. President,

5. India holds the firm view that no cause whatsoever or grievance could justify terrorism. The international community must ensure zero-tolerance of terrorism irrespective of considerations, whether political, philosophical, ideological, ethnic, religious or any other that may be invoked to justify it. We must strengthen enforcement efforts to destroy safe heavens for terrorists, their financial flows and support networks and to bring terrorists to justice. The international community cannot afford selective approaches in dealing with terrorist groups or in dismantling the infrastructure of terrorism. We must step up our collective efforts with real and effective cooperation among member states to confront the scourge of terrorism squarely and decisively.

6. India remains strongly committed to the emergence of a stable, peaceful, united and democratic Iraq which is in the interest of regional and global peace and security.

Thank you Mr. President.

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