Statement by India on Agenda Item 10: General Debate on Technical assistance and capacity‑building at the 46th Session of the Human Rights Council (22nd February to 23rd March, 2021) delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [Geneva, 22nd March 2021] Statement by India on Agenda Item 10: General Debate on Technical assistance and capacity‑building..

Statement by India on Agenda Item 10: General Debate on Technical assistance and capacity‑building at the 46th Session of the Human Rights Council (22nd February to 23rd March, 2021) delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [Geneva, 22nd March 2021]

Madam President,

We appreciate and support the efforts of OHCHR in capacity building and technical assistance for promotion and protection of human rights. Inclusion of a dedicated Agenda Item on technical assistance and capacity building reflects the importance the Council attaches to it. The sanctity of this agenda item should be maintained and its misuse, under any pretext and for any other purposes, must be avoided. The Council and its mechanisms should accord a high priority to helping and enabling the States develop the necessary national institutions and capacities through rendering appropriate technical assistance, upon their request. The primacy of State’s role in the decision making and participation should be fully respected.

Madam President,

2. We believe that enhancement of State’s capacity through technical assistance and capacity building measures, in consultation with and with the consent of the States concerned, is the best way towards improving the human rights situation. It is important that while rendering technical assistance and capacity building the priority is accorded to implementation of accepted UPR recommendations.

3. The current pandemic situation demands extraordinary efforts from States, which must be supported through international solidarity and increased cooperation amongst the States and the relevant UN organizations, with a view to supplement the national efforts.

4. We note with concern that the funding constraints of OHCHR may hamper its technical assistance to States and underscore the importance of exploring options for ensuring sustainable funding for this purpose. India has accorded a high priority, in its cooperation with the fellow member States, in providing technical assistance and building their capacity and remains committed to support the efforts of OHCHR in this regard.

I thank you, Madam President.