PERMANENT MISSION OF INDIA TO THE UN
GENEVA

Statement by Ambassador Ajit Kumar, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Geneva at Human Rights Council32ndSession (13 June-01 July 2016)Agenda Item 6 (Universal Periodic Review): General Debate.

27 June 2016

Mr. President,

1. Indiashares the now widespread view in the Council on the success of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism. It is a unique mechanism that sets the Council apart from its predecessor, and justifiably commands respect and trust of all Member States of the Council. We remain convinced of the effectiveness of this instrument invisibly improving the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in all parts of the world. It is in our collective interest to keep this process relevant.

2. We thank the OHCHR for its crucial role in the UPR process. Thesincerity and effort that goes into the compilation of reportsand documents, which create a base for the review, by the Office is visible and deserves commendation.We also remain appreciative of the Office’s secretarial assistance during the review as well as technical support forcapacity building to various States also invites our appreciation.We would also like to express our acknowledgement for the vital contribution of the board of trustees in administering the Voluntary Fund for Financial and Technical Assistance that helps countries in implementingrecommendations accepted by them during their UPR.

3. We have said this before and would reiterate that the continued success if the UPR mechanism depend on the strict adherence to the rules and regulations of this process. Attemptsat projecting preferred or partisan issues not only undermine the Institutional Building Package of the Council but also adversely impact the beneficial impact of this mechanism. The bases of review under the UPR are clearly laid out and should be respected. Manipulation of this mechanism to divert the Council’s attention on preferred or selective areas of concern will surely have an adverse impact on a country’s voluntary and objective participation.

4. The fact that all UN Member States, without distinction, have chosen to participate in the UPR process provides it with atruly universal character and makes it all more precious. This should also reinforce our strong commitment to the process. India has been an active participant in this process with an open, constructive and productive approach. We intend to continue doing so.

Mr. President,

5. As the second cycle of the UPR process nears completion, we should consider addressing the growing trend towards proliferation of repetitive recommendations.It might be more productive to work towards consolidation of recommendations. The Council may consider deliberating upon how we can come up with guidelines for the Working Group to address this challenge so that we can have an even more efficient mechanism at our disposal.

I thank you.

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