Statement by India at the Organizational session for the 20th cycle of the Human Rights Council delivered by Shri KJ Sudheer, First Secretary

(Geneva, 8 December 2025)

Thank you, Mr. President,

My delegation takes this opportunity to thank Members of the Bureau, co-facilitators, regional coordinators and the Secretariat for their tireless work in the successful conduct of the Human Rights Council this year. On behalf of my Ambassador, I also wish to extend a special word of thanks to Ambassador Lauber, for his excellent leadership of the 19th cycle.

We also congratulate the Distinguished Permanent Representatives of Spain, Estonia and Ethiopia, on their election as Vice Presidents of the Council. We look forward to working closely with the Bureau and members of the Council as India re-joins the membership for the period 2026-2028.

As we approach the 20th cycle in 2026, we stand at a challenging juncture. The year ahead will test us against multiple headwinds: the outcomes of the UN@80 processes; the continuing liquidity crisis affecting the wider human rights ecosystem; the growing realization that burgeoning mandates risk outpacing their core objectives, and, not least, the upcoming 2026 review of the Council. Yet, as with any crisis, these challenges also present an opportunity to renew and strengthen the Council and its work.

Mr. President, please allow me to highlight a few key points for the Council’s consideration:

First, the proliferation of mandates and resolutions has led to a fragmentation of the human rights discourse. Incremental measures for mandate rationalization will no longer suffice; a comprehensive and bold approach is needed. 

Second, beyond discussions on reducing the number of resolutions; Special Procedures; investigative mechanisms, - and activities under each resolution; the council may wish to consider how text of the resolutions themselves can be streamlined.

Third, we should revisit how interactive dialogues are scheduled and structured, with a view to achieving a significant reduction in their overall number.

Fourth, prioritizing divisive or politically motivated mandates over consensus-based initiatives runs counter to the Council’s objective of maintaining a unified and credible voice.

Finally, consultation and consent of the concerned State must remain the cornerstone of technical assistance and capacity-building efforts. Such an approach ensures effective implementation and strengthens trust in the UN and other multilateral institutions.

My delegation reiterates our commitment to working closely with the Human Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for the Human Rights.

Thank you, Mr. President.