United Nations: India has urged UN human rights mechanisms to avoid “politicisation” and respect cultural and historical contexts, asserting that New Delhi is committed to advancing human rights for all without selectivity and double standards.
First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of India, Anuj Swarup, delivered India’s statement at the 81st Session of the UNGA Third Committee on Agenda Item ‘Report of the Human Rights Council’ on Monday.
Swarup said India will continue to work with the UN Human Rights High Commissioner and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in a “spirit of trust and partnership, as we remain committed to advancing human rights for all without selectivity and double standards”.
Meanwhile, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the OHCHR’s remarks as unwarranted and an unacceptable interference in the country’s internal affairs. Jaiswal said that violent responses to protests in India’s neighbourhood, as well as law enforcement actions in the organisation’s own vicinity, had gone unremarked. He stressed that such double standards only erode the credibility of its standing and contribute to the loss of faith in multilateralism.
The spokesperson highlighted that India is the world’s largest democracy, where the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed by the Constitution and safeguarded by robust institutions, an independent judiciary and a free media. He further stated that Indian citizens exercise this right subject to the maintenance of public order and safety. Jaiswal added that law enforcement authorities act strictly in accordance with the law, and the country’s courts remain available to all for the redressal of any grievances.
