Statement by India under Agenda Item 5 : General debate on ‘Human Rights Bodies and Mechanism’ at the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council (8 September-8October 2025) delivered by Ms. Anupama Singh, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 25 September 2025
Madam Vice President,
India acknowledges the role of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms in assisting Member States in advancing human rights.
We are fully committed to constructive engagement with Special Procedures Mandate Holders (SPMHs), sharing pertinent information within their mandates. Trust and cooperation between States and SPMHs are fundamental for their success. SPMHs must therefore execute their mandates with strict adherence to objectivity, neutrality, transparency, independence, and impartiality, as mandated by Resolution 5/2’s Code of Conduct.
Regrettably, we observe troubling trends in the conduct of some SPMHs that seriously undermine their credibility. Premature conclusions, reliance on isolated incidents, and flawed reasoning—especially in press releases and joint statements—damage trust and weaken their effectiveness.
We reiterate that SPMHs rigorously consider States’ perspectives and base their findings strictly on verified facts, as required by Articles 6 and 8 of the Code of Conduct. Any display of bias or misuse of mandate would undermine the institution’s integrity. We also reiterate that consistent with Resolution 5/1, mandate appointments must ensure equitable geographic and legal system representation.
We take this opportunity to reiterate our support to the Advisory Committee, and convey our appreciation for its work in highlighting emerging themes relevant to the Member States.
In closing, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fostering genuine dialogue and meaningful cooperation within the Council and its mechanisms.
I thank you.
