Biggest Challenge To Human Rights Is Terrorism And India Is At Forefront Of Global Action Against It: Jaishankar

At the high-level segment of 46th session of Human Rights Council, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that terrorism continues to be one of the biggest challenges to human rights agenda and India is its one of the biggest victim.

"Human Rights' agenda continues to face severe challenges, most of all from terrorism. Perennial concerns remain equally strong, be it global inequities or armed conflicts. Ongoing pandemic complicated the situation,” he said.

"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. Terrorism continues to be one of the gravest threats to humankind,” he added.

“As a long-standing victim, India has been at forefront of global action against terrorism. It's possible only when there's a clear realisation, including in bodies dealing with human rights, that terrorism can never be justified nor its perpetrators ever equated with its victims,” Jaishankar said.

"Our Constitution has enshrined basic human rights as fundamental rights, guaranteeing civil and political rights, stipulating provisions for progressive realisation of economic, social & cultural rights,” he said.

“Our approach to UNHRC guided by spirit of engagement, dialogue and consultation. Equal emphasis should be placed on promotion and protection of human rights. They're best pursued via dialogue, consultation and cooperation amongst states and technical assistance and capacity building,” he said.

"As a member of UNHRC, we remain committed to working together with fellow members to achieve consensus. Violation of and gaps in implementation of human rights must be addressed in fair manner with non-selectivity and respect to principles of non-interference in internal affairs,” he added.

"India has pledged its vaccine manufacturing capacity to make vaccines accessible and affordable to all. From Bangladesh to Brazil and from Morocco to Fizi, the pharmacy of the world is supplying millions of vaccine doses to more than 70 countries.”

“Our approach to UNHRC guided by spirit of engagement, dialogue and consultation. Equal emphasis should be placed on promotion and protection of human rights. They're best pursued via dialogue, consultation and cooperation amongst states and technical assistance and capacity building,” he said.