India’s position on human right issues is based on inclusivity: S Jaishankar

India’s position on human right issues is “based on our own experience as an inclusive and pluralistic society and a vibrant democracy, foreign minister S Jaishankar has said. “Our Constitution has enshrined basic human rights as fundamental rights, guaranteeing civil and political rights, stipulating provisions for progressive realisation of economic, social and cultural rights,” he said at the 46th session of the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council.

“India has always played an active role in global promotion and protection of human rights. Our strong commitment to the welfare of entire humanity, inspired by our civilisational ethos of ‘vasudhaiva kutumbakam’, or the world is one family, has provided the very foundation on which our constitutional and legal framework of human rights has been built. Our approach to the UNHRC is guided by our spirit of engagement, dialogue and consultation.”

He called for implementation of human rights in a non-selective manner and with due respect to non-interference in internal affairs. “We believe that violation of and gaps in implementation of human rights should be addressed in a fair and just manner, with objectivity, non-selectivity, transparency and with due respect to the principles of non-interference in internal affairs and national sovereignty.”


He said terrorism was the primary challenge to human rights. “The perennial concerns remain equally strong, be it global inequities or armed conflicts. The ongoing pandemic has complicated the situation in many geographies. There is a need for us to come together to overcome these challenges. At the same time, multilateral institutions and mechanisms need to be reformed to be able to deal with these effectively.”