Indian UN mission lays out agenda as Human Rights Council member

As a candidate for the UN Human Rights Council membership for the 2022-2024 term, India will maintain independence, autonomy, and powers of investigation of national human rights bodies, according to a statement from the Permanent Mission of India at the United Nations in Geneva.

India, as a candidate, has made specific pledges outlining its approach and agenda for global promotion and protection of human rights.

"India will maintain independence, autonomy and powers of investigation of national human rights bodies including NHRC, national commission for women, national commission for minorities, scheduled tribes and backward classes, likewise," India at UN tweeted.

"India remains committed to access to medicines, diagnostics, and therapeutics to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic and will support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development," it added.

India remains committed to ratifying the convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment and will continue to strive to make the Human Rights Council a strong, effective and efficient body, capable of promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

"India will support the implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and continue to pursue necessary domestic actions to implement the agenda, with an overarching focus on poverty eradication and balanced emphasis on social development, economic growth and environmental protection," it added.

(ANI)