PERMANENT MISSION OF INDIA TO THE UN, GENEVA

27th Session of the Human Rights Council

 (8-26 September 2014)

Agenda Item 6: Universal Periodic Review - General Debate

(September

Statement by India

Mr. President,

1. The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique, peer review mechanism highly valued by all members of the Council. It has proved to be an effective tool that has steadily and tangibly improved the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in each member state of the United Nations.In this regard, we commend the effort that has been made by all the participating States to make it a success.

2. We appreciate the contribution of the OHCHR in supporting this process be it through the compilation of reports and documents that form the basis for the review, its secretarial assistance and in providing technical assistance and capacity building before and after the review to various States that seek its assistance. We also value the contribution of the Board of trustees in administering the Voluntary Fund for Financial and Technical Assistance that supports countries in implementing recommendations accepted by them during their UPR.

3. India is strongly committed to the Universal Periodic Review, which has proven its truly universal character with the participation of all UN Member States without distinction and in an equal manner.   We remain committed to participating  in this important process in an open and constructive manner

4. We believe that the rules governing the UPR need to be scrupulously followed. However, we have seen attempts by some to subject the UPR to certain issues of their preference, using the platform of thematic resolution to call on states to pay particular attention to a specific issue during the UPR. This is counter productive and undermines the Institutional Building Package of the Council that has explicitly established three distinct documents on which the review should be based. Imposing a particular theme to be given due attention during a country’s review is prescriptive and will limit the space for a country’s free and objective participation. We would strongly caution against such endeavours, if the UPR is to remain a cooperative mechanism that is of added value and not duplicate other human rights mechanisms.

I thank you.

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