Statement by India on General Debate under Agenda 2 in the 41st Session of the Human Rights Council ( 24 June – 12 July 2019), delivered by Ambassador Rajiv K. Chander, Permanent Representative of India, Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 25th June 2019)
Statement by India
Mr. President,
We thank Madam High Commissioner for her oral update.
2. India continues its efforts for mainstreaming an inclusive and constructive approach in the human rights discourse in the Council. We firmly believe that only such an approach would be contributive to bringing all stakeholders together and finding measures for addressing all human rights issues including outstanding cases of violations of human rights.
3. It is vital that an engagement-based consultation with the concerned countries should be encouraged aimed at addressing all issues. We are supportive of the efforts of the High Commissioner towards building an engagement and consultation-based endeavour towards promotion and protection of human rights. It is of our firm belief that dialogue and cooperation is the best way forward.
4. While the digital technology is transforming all sectors, it has also brought new and serious concerns, including invasion of privacy, promotion of misinformation, infiltration of critical infrastructure through cyber-attacks, threat to human rights, and the issue of the growing digital divide. In this regard, India would be supportive of the OHCHR’s project on developing focused guidance on the application of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to digital technologies.
5. India reaffirms its commitments towards realization of human rights and promotion of socially responsible businesses. Towards this, India has issued national guidelines on responsible business conduct and is in the process to bring out a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. The zero draft of the same has already been prepared and consultations with all stakeholders are undergoing. We would be supportive of all efforts on matters related to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
6. Mr. President, finally, India remains committed towards meaningful engagement with the Council in bringing consensus on prioritisation as well as interpretation of various rights. We are also committed to constructive engagement with the OHCHR in the promotion and protection of human rights of all people.
Thank you, Mr. President
