EoV by India before the vote on consideration of the resolution “Promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of human rights” at the 46th Session of the Human Rights Council (22nd February-23rd March, 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 23rd March, 2021)
Madam President,
It has always been our endeavor that the objective of promotion and protection of human rights is best pursued through constructive engagement and genuine dialogue among all stakeholders. Any steps towards this approach should be welcomed by all and encouraged in the Human Rights Council.
2. We understand the underlying reasons for divergences over priorities and concerns on issues of human rights among Member States. Considering this, it has always been our attempt to bring in a pluralistic, moderate and balanced perspective to help bridge multiple divides in the global human rights discourse, so as to find broad common ground at least on fundamental issues.
Madam President,
3. It is only natural for us to support capacity augmentation in States, at their request and upon their consent to facilitate better implementation of human rights obligations. This is in line with the principle of nationally led approaches to determine capacity building. We also emphasize the role of this Council and all its mechanisms in providing technical assistance to States in this regard.
4. However, we have reservations on the use of the term “mutually beneficial cooperation” in the title of the resolution and several other paras, and on the preambular para that calls for building a community of shared future for human beings. It is our firm belief that these formulations could have been based on the already agreed language of the SDG framework rather than bringing in elements which have not found universal acceptance. These new formulations are not within the framework of India's policy in this regard. In light of the above, India will vote against this Resolution.
Thank you, Madam President.
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