Concluding Remarks by Vice Minister, Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. Sanjay Verma at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 41st Session (7-18 November 2022): 4th UPR of India
[Geneva, 10thNovember, 2022]
Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguished delegates,
On behalf of the delegation of India, I sincerely thank you for your constructive participation and engagement in our Universal Periodic Review. It is encouraging that a large number of member States took the floor today. We also thank the States that took the time to relay their advance questions to us during the days preceding the Review.
2. Our National Report and our statements today bring to you the key initiatives taken by the Government of India, since the last UPR, for promotion and protection of human rights of our people. These steps are a testament of the Government of India’s abiding commitment to meet its human rights obligations and create conducive environment for enjoyment of human rights by our people. While highlighting our achievements, we have also noted the challenges and constraints that we have faced.
3. We found the entire exercise of preparation for and participation in the UPR absolutely useful. We have tried our best to respond to as many issues raised as possible within the limited time frame. We are thankful for your observations as well as recommendations. Rest assured, we will duly reflect on them, in consultation with various stakeholders, including civil society organisations. We value your comments and recommendations which would undoubtedly be taken into account by the Government in delineating next steps for further advancing the goal of protection of human rights of our people.
4. India remains deeply committed to multilateralism, the UN charter and its founding principles. In our tenure as a member of the Security Council which comes to an end this year, we have acted as a bridge on some serious but divisive issues confronting the Council. As we begin the G-20 presidency next month, we are sensitive to the challenges faced by developing countries. India will work with other G-20 members to address serious issues of debt, of economic growth, food and energy security and particularly, of environment. The reform of governance of multilateral financial institutions will continue to be one of our core priorities.
5. Let me conclude by reiterating the Government of India’s abiding commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights of our people, including providing good governance and realising the inclusive and sustainable development for welfare of our people. As an ancient and large civilization, which is reclaiming prominence, India suggests that diversity can coexist and prosper together. India is proud to look up to the highest standards of Human Rights as the world’s largest democracy.
I thank you all once again for your participation.
