Statement by India under Agenda Item 8: General Debate at the 60th Session of Human Rights Council, delivered by Mr. K.S. Mohammed Hussain, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 30 September 2025
Mr. President,
1. The World Conference on Human Rights of 1993 led to the unanimous adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA), a milestone document that has strengthened the foundation laid by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for the promotion and protection of human rights. Its pronouncement of the universality, indivisibility, interdependence, and interrelatedness of all human rights, and its call to treat civil and political rights and economic, social, and cultural rights equally and on the same footing, remain extremely relevant to this day.
2. We reiterate our support for the VDPA’s emphasis on the strong interlinkage between democracy, development, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Its inclusion of a wide range of human rights—such as the right to development, and the rights of women, the girl child, minorities, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups—has led to their progressive realization globally. We fully agree with its acknowledgement of the fact that terrorism in all its forms is aimed at the destruction of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and democracy, and threatens the territorial integrity and security of States.
Mr. President,
3. India has been steadfastly making efforts to ensure the fullest enjoyment of human rights by our people and to realize sustainable development. We must collectively reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of the VDPA.
Mr. President,
4. We find it deeply ironic that a country with one of the world’s worst human rights records seeks to lecture others. Their attempts to misuse this august forum with fabricated allegations against India only expose their hypocrisy. Instead of making baseless propaganda, they should confront the rampant State-sponsored persecution and systemic discrimination (of religious and ethnic minorities) that plague their own society.
Thank you.
