General Comments by India on consideration of the decision “High-Level Panel discussion on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund to Support the Participation of Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States in the Work of the Human Rights Council’’ at the 46th session of the Human Rights Council (22 February – 23rd March 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 24 March 2021)
Madam President,
The current pandemic situation demands extraordinary efforts from all States which need to be further strengthened through international solidarity and increased cooperation among Member States and relevant UN organizations. In this context, it is even more important that technical assistance and capacity building measures from OHCHR should supplement the working of member States particularly the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
2. India strongly believes that it is important to strengthen the capacities of the delegations from LDCs and SIDS, including those which do not have permanent missions in Geneva, to ensure their meaningful participation in the Human Rights Council’s activities. The Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund to support the participation of LDCs and SIDS in the work of the Council, which also completes 10 years in March 2022, plays an extremely significant role. India remains committed to support the LDCs and SIDS and it is heartening to see that the contributions to the Trust Fund are having the desired impact on the ground where the deliberations of the HRC have been widened and enriched by the presence of delegates from these States.
3. India welcomes the decision to convene a High-Level Panel discussion, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the fund, to focus on the benefits of universal and meaningful participation of all Member States of the UN in the work of the HRC. The High-Level Panel will give us an opportunity to ensure universal participation in the working of the Council and thus help in strengthening the working of the Council.
I thank you.
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