Page 16 - DIVA_3 2021

International International
“We support Council first met in January 1946, only 51 and protection, we have been of the view that
States were Members of the UN. Today, there the human rights agenda must be pursued
the view that
are 193. The world has changed significantly in in a fair manner with objectivity, respect for
the Human the last 75 years. The UN, unfortunately, is still national sovereignty and territorial integrity,
Right’s stuck in 1945. The leaders of the world came non-interference in internal affairs of States,
together in 2005 and called for early reform of non-selectivity and transparency.
Council
the Security Council. Fifteen years have since
should passed, but there has been no progress. Our emphasis remains on both promotion,
adhere to that entails support for capacity building and
If we look at the performance of the UN in protection of human rights, which is to be
its mandate, the last 75 years, we find that while it has pursued through dialogue, consultation and
established indeed prevented the outbreak of another consensus-building. We also emphasize the
World War, it has failed to adapt itself to new primacy of national responsibility and efforts
rules of
challenges and to a changing world order. in realization of human rights. We support the
procedure An expansion of the Security Council, in view that the Human Right’s Council should
and standard both the Permanent and non-Permanent adhere to its mandate, established rules of
categories, is indispensable to making this procedure and standard practices. We have
practices.“ body more representative, legitimate and highlighted the importance of cooperation
effective. The sad reality is that while the with Member States, upon request, through
overwhelming majority of UN Member States capacity building, technical cooperation and
firmly supports the comprehensive reform financial assistance.
of the Security Council, a handful of status-
quoists have consistently opposed any change. We advocate a holistic and integrated approach
An immediate and time-bound text-based that emphasizes the interdependence,
negotiation is critical. That’s what we have interrelatedness, indivisibility and universality
called for and will continue to pursue. We of human rights. In order to restore the balance
will be working with like-minded partners between political and civil rights vis-à-vis
and look at options to overcome the obstacles economic, social and cultural rights, India
in our pursuit of this goal. India is not just a has been emphasizing the full and effective
member of the G4, it is also a core member of enjoyment of economic and social rights and
the L69, a group of developing countries from the Right to Development.
Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
India has affirmed the interrelationship between
India represents the voice of one-sixth development, human rights, democracy, and
of humanity and has always championed international cooperation. As a member of the
the cause of the developing world. As a Human Rights Council, we aim to bring in a
country that has always believed in dialogue, pluralistic, moderate and balanced perspective
committed to rule of law and championed a to straddle various divides or differences that
fair and equitable world order, India can offer exist in the Council. Our democratic credentials,
an alternative voice and vision to global peace multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multilingual and
and security. Within the Council, India will multicultural nature makes us an ideal country
not only be a bridge-builder, but our presence to adopt this approach.
will also bring much-needed credibility and
transparency to Council deliberations. The human rights agenda continues to face
severe challenges, most of all from terrorism.
India is the world’s biggest democracy and The ongoing pandemic has aggravated
your country is an active member of the the challenges faced by the countries in
Human Right’s Council. What are your implementing their human rights obligations.
priorities in this field, generally, and for this At the same time, the Council, like other
year, in particular? multilateral institutions and mechanisms,
While India remains committed to upholding needs to be reformed to be able to deal with
basic human rights and their global promotion the contemporary challenges effectively.
w w w. d i va i n t e r n at i o n a l . c h
We are living in quite usual times, when a gear to over 150 countries, mostly as grants.
virus causing Covid-19 is changing our lives. We have supplied around 66 million doses of
How is the situation today in your country in vaccines to around 80 countries.
these pandemic times?
The pandemic has caused unforeseen We have heard about the farmers’ strike in
disruptions and has posed enormous and India. Could you tell us about it and what
unprecedented socio-economic challenges. the situation is now?
No country has remained untouched. India The Government of India has set the goal of
is passing through a severe second wave of doubling the income of farmers by 2022 and
infection. As of 3 May 2021, India had 3.41 the reforms carried out through three Farm
million active cases, which has strained the Acts, passed by the Indian Parliament in 2020.
country’s health infrastructure and services. There has been debate within India on the need
While 16.29 million had recovered, 219,000 for carrying out reforms in the mechanisms
people had died. By this date, 157 million and institutions for the marketing of agro-
doses of vaccines had been administered. produce since the beginning of economic
reforms in India in the 1990s.
India’s Covid-19 strategy has been based on
the mantra of ‘Jaan bhi, Jahan bhi’ – saving The three Farm Acts were passed by the
lives as well as livelihoods. Continuing on the Parliament of India, after protracted debates
path to ramping up our capacities, securing the both inside and outside Parliament, with
needs of poorest citizens and future proofing the sole purpose of creating a conducive
our society, India was among the first few environment for farmers to realize better
countries in enforcing a responsive system of prices for their produce and, thereby, enhance
lockdowns and in launching public awareness their income and lead a better life.
campaigns about social distancing and the use
of face masks. We have been able to upscale In line with India’s well entrenched
our health infrastructure, including Covid democratic traditions, including resolution of
hospitals, ICU capacities and testing facilities. differences through dialogue and discussion,
Further, fulfilling the basic needs and welfare the Government has shown utmost respect
of the most vulnerable sections of our society for protest by some farmers, which is limited
has been our top priority. to a few States in India. The Government
has remained engaged in dialogue with the
India has always been in the forefront when organizations representing protesting farmers
it comes to global cooperation, and as always, in order to find a mutually acceptable solution.
India played a pivotal role through supply of It has offered clause-by clause discussion over
essential medicines, test kits and protection the three Farm Acts.
w w w. d i va i n t e r n at i o n a l . c h