Statement by India Delivered by Shri Rajiv Kumar Chander Ambassador & Permanent Representative of India at the 37th Session of the Human Rights Council on Agenda Item 2 - Interactive Dialogue with High Commissioner - on 8 March 2018
Mr. President,
We thank the High Commissioner for Human Rights for presentation of his oral update and annual report.
2. We find that the update does not reflect the situation in India adequately. Selective and tendentious statements on human rights issues only serve to undermine the credibility of the approach.
3. Mr. President, the Indian Constitution prohibits the State from discrimination of any citizen on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them. Along with being the world’s largest democracy, Indian polity also weaves in immense diversity with respect for tolerance and mutual understanding. An independent judiciary, free and vibrant media and a vocal civil society are all active in this regard within the legal framework of the State. National and state level commissions are monitoring compliance with human rights.
4. Mr. President, there is also a reference to the Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir. There is none to cross-border terrorism. Terrorism is the most fundamental violation of the human rights and we overlook its egregiousness at our own peril.
5. Mr. President, My Government has been pursuing welfare of all its citizens with schematic interventions in a systemic approach. The moto of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas”, i.e. ‘all together and development for all’ is a commitment to our people. Any assessment, therefore, of India should factor in its unique national circumstances and be based on the objective realities that point to a comprehensive effort to substantially raise the level of standard of living of all its citizens.
6. Mr. President, the OHCHR, which is the global voice of equality and non-discrimination and all human rights for all, completes 25 years of its existence in December this year. The High Commissioner has called for it to be equipped and assisted to respond to several emerging human rights challenges. The 25th anniversary presents us with an appropriate opportunity to review two and a half decades of its functioning and suggest ways to make it more representative, credible and effective in meeting the new challenges.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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