Joint Statement by Like Minded Group of Countries, during the Item 6: General Debate on the Universal Periodic Review, at the 61st Session of the Human Rights Council (23 February - 31 Mar 2026), delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 23 March 2026 Joint Statement by Like Minded Group of Countries, during the Item 6: General Debate on the Universa..

Joint Statement by Like Minded Group of Countries, during the Item 6: General Debate on the Universal Periodic Review, at the 61st Session of the Human Rights Council (23 February - 31 Mar 2026), delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 23 March 2026

Joint Statement by Like Minded Group of Countries, during the Item 6: General Debate on the Universal Periodic Review, at the 61st Session of the Human Rights Council (23 February - 31 Mar 2026), delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 23 March 2026

Mr. President,

 I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of a Like–Minded Group of countries. The list will be shared on the extranet.

  1. Our countries firmly believe that the Universal Periodic Review has been a very successful mechanism of the Human Rights Council for the promotion and protection of all human rights, including the right to development.
  2. Its uniqueness stems from being a peer-to-peer instrument and a platform for sharing good practices and exchanging national expertise. This has significantly contributed to a greater mutual understanding of human rights issues.
  3. The successive cycles of the UPR have also contributed to actual improvement of the human rights situation on the ground and assisted in strengthening of national institutions and legislative mechanisms aimed at protecting and promoting Human Rights.
  4. We believe that the modalities of the UPR should continue to be action-oriented and intergovernmental in nature, conducted in an objective, transparent, non-selective, constructive, non-confrontational and non-politicized manner.
  5. To conclude, we renew our sincere and strong commitment to the UPR process, as an effective, efficient and valid mechanism of the Council to enhance meaningful dialogue and constructive cooperation.

Thank You.

List of co-sponsors

  1. Bahrain
  2. Bangladesh
  3. Belarus
  4. Burundi
  5. China
  6. Cuba
  7. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
  8. Egypt
  9. Ethiopia
  10. India
  11. Iran
  12. Myanmar
  13. Philippines
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Singapore
  16. South Africa
  17. Sri Lanka
  18. Thailand
  19. Vietnam