India, on Tuesday, called on the United Nations Human Rights Council to show “zero tolerance” towards terrorism.
In a video message to the High-level segment of the 52nd Human Rights Council, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said “India resolutely believes that the World must display zero tolerance toward terrorism.”
“We have been at the forefront of dealing with other global challenges which impact adversely on human rights, especially terrorism. India believes that the world must resolutely display zero tolerance in this regard. After all, terrorism is the most indefensible violation of human rights and has no justification in any circumstances. Its perpetrators must, therefore, always be held accountable,” Jaishankar said.
Jaishankar congratulated Vaclav Balek for being elected as the President of the Council and assured him of India’s full cooperation.
Jaishankar also reiterated that India remains steadfast in its commitment to take all possible steps to ensure the fullest enjoyment of the basic human rights of our people, including good governance and inclusive and sustainable development.
In the video message, Jaisankar also stated that India works with other members of the Council as well as Observers towards building consensus with a view to ensure that the Council is able to fulfil its basic mandate.
“We give equal priority to all basic human rights, whether civil and political or economic, social and cultural, as they are indivisible and interdependent. Further, we will continue to extend our cooperation, as in the past, to the Office of the High Commissioner and various other mechanisms of the Council, including Special Rapporteurs and Universal Periodic Review.” Jaishankar said.
EAM further stated that India’s approach to Human Rights reflects the experience as a developing country with a strong sense of global solidarity. India’s civilisational ethos, which envisages a solid commitment to the welfare of entire humanity, ensures harmony between our domestic and international policies.
Recalling the last three-year experience, Jaishankar said that those years have been difficult for the world; and developing countries have been hit the hardest. Challenges of the Covid pandemic, rising prices of fuel, fertilizers and foodgrains, and growing debt burdens have adversely affected the enjoyment of human rights by people globally. India’s collective efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals have been seriously set back.
