Statement by Smt. Supriya Sadanand Sule, Member of Parliament and Member of Indian Delegation on the Agenda Item 72: 'Promotion and Protection of Human Rights' (a) Implementation of Human Rights Instruments, (d) Comprehensive Implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declarations and Programme of Action at the Third Committee of the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, on 4th November 2015.

Thank you Mr. Chairperson,

It goes without reiteration that States remain the primary duty bearers for the promotion and protection of human rights. We value the expertise of OHCHR (Office of the Commissioner of Human Rights) in strengthening States capacities in the field of human rights, and continued emphasis on principles of impartiality, non-selectivity, and objectivity.

To have a more meaningful and sustained impact, any assistance offered by UN human rights machinery, including OHCHR, should be upon the request and as per the priorities and specific circumstances of the country concerned.

We take note of the efforts of the High Commissioner in improving efficiency and streamlining the work of his Office through his 'Change Initiative'. We also believe that the inherent ambiguities in governance and administrative arrangements of the Office are hindering its optimal performance, as highlighted in the recent JIU review. It is important that Member States agree on a mechanism to comprehensively address long standing issues related to funding, staffing, priority setting processes, transparency and accountability of the OHCHR.

Mr. Chairperson,

The continued success of Human Rights Council as the primary UN platform for promoting universal respect for the protection of human rights hinges on its ability to function in a non-selective, non-politicized and transparent manner.

The Council and its mechanisms should avoid falling in the trap of selective country spotlighting and intrusive monitoring, which have been proved time and again to be counterproductive, and instead, focus on enhancing genuine dialogue and cooperation.

The unique and positive mechanism of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a widely accepted mechanism. As we approach the third cycle of UPR and the 10th anniversary of the Council, we need to retain its universality and further improve its efficiency and impact by rationalizing recommendations and avoid using it for imposing specific thematic issues that are yet to acquire universal acceptance.

At the same time, we also need to find ways in support developing countries, particularly the LDCs, in implementation of their accepted recommendations through capacity building and technical assistance programmes.

Mr. Chairperson,

Special mandate holders and Human Right treaty bodies must avoid unnecessary duplication or overlap and remain fully independent and transparent in discharging their work within their respective mandates. The measures identified in the landmark UNGA resolution 68/268 on treaty body strengthening should be closely followed up to facilitate the effective implementation of the treaty obligations by the State parties.

Mr. Chairperson,

As the world's largest democracy, with a proud history of unity in diversity, strong constitutional safeguards for fundamental freedoms, a progressive parliament, an independent and impartial judiciary, a free and vibrant media and a thriving civil society, India is wedded to the idea of just and equitable society. We are proud of the part played by India's Hansa Mehta in drafting the UDHR, giving prominence in the Declaration for equal rights for women and men.

Respect for and promotion of all human rights for all is an integral component of our endeavor to achieve inclusive and sustainable development. This is reflected in Government of India's motto of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' (meaning 'together with all and development for all), and the progressive shift from a welfare-orientation to rights-based approach in our socio-economic policies and programmes.

Mr. Chairperson,

In conclusion, we believe that a holistic and integrated approach that recognizes the inter-dependence, inter-relatedness and indivisibility of all human rights including the right to development, as reaffirmed in the Vienna Declaration, should be at the centre of our collective efforts in promoting and protecting human rights. The 'transformation' that we desire to achieve by 2030 can become a reality only if we uphold the inalienable right of every person to development and create an equitable and just international order for its full realization.

With this perspective in mind, we remain deeply committed to strengthening human rights mechanisms at the local, regional and international levels and stand ready to contribute constructively for fostering a global culture of respect for all human rights for all.

I thank you.