Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while countering terrorism in the 46th Session of the Human Rights Council (22 February – 23 March 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India

(Geneva, 04 March 2021)

Madam President,

We take note of the Special Rapporteur’s report on the human rights impact of counter-terrorism and countering (violent) extremism policies and practices on the rights of women, girls and the family.

Madam President,

We fully support the need to protect and promote the human rights of individuals while countering terrorism. It is equally important to remember that terrorism in itself is an attack against those very rights that are fundamental to human beings, including the freedom of thought, expression and association, and the right to life, liberty and security.  Terrorism continues to be the gravest threat to human kind and their human rights.

Acts of terrorism not only violate the rights of individual victims but also of the members of victims’ families and of the entire society. Women, children, persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities are particularly vulnerable to human rights abuses by the terrorists. 

India has always been at the forefront of global counter terrorism efforts. India took the initiative to pilot the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism with the objective of providing a comprehensive legal framework to combating terrorism. Recently, my Minister presented to the UNSC an eight point Action Plan on countering terrorism.

Madam President,

We do not see any contradiction between countering terrorism and promotion and protection of human rights of all concerned.

India supports capacity building and technical assistance programmes extended to Member States by the UN Counter Terrorism Centre, including for building their capacity to promote and support human rights while countering terrorism, under Pillar 4 of UN’s Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.

I thank you.