India Calls for Authentic Updates from the Human Rights Council
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Synopsis
During the 58th session of the Human Rights Council, India's Permanent Representative, Arindam Bagchi, criticized the High Commissioner's global update and called for a 'genuine update' regarding India's situation, especially concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
Key Takeaways
- India demands an accurate global update from the Human Rights Council.
- Concerns regarding Jammu and Kashmir were labeled as unfounded by Bagchi.
- India emphasizes its diversity and democratic values.
- Significant improvements in Jammu and Kashmir over the past year highlighted.
- Bagchi calls for introspection within the High Commissioner's office.
Geneva, March 4 (NationPress) During the 58th regular session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Arindam Bagchi, issued a strong critique of the High Commissioner’s global update, demanding a “genuine update” regarding the situation in India.
Bagchi’s remarks were a direct response to unfounded allegations concerning India, especially regarding Jammu and Kashmir.
“Mr. Vice President, I wish to share some thoughts regarding the High Commissioner’s global update. Since India was mentioned by name, let me start by underscoring that the world’s largest democracy remains a healthy, vibrant, and pluralistic society,” Bagchi stated.
He dismissed the concerns raised in the report as “unfounded and baseless”, emphasizing that these assertions do not accurately reflect the realities on the ground in India.
Bagchi also called for a deeper understanding of India’s democratic and pluralistic values.
“We urge a more profound comprehension of India and our civilization’s ethos of diversity and openness, which continue to define our robust and often cacophonous civic space,” he highlighted.
A significant part of his speech addressed the region of J&K, inaccurately referred to as “Kashmir” in the report. Bagchi pointed out that the region has experienced notable advancements over the past year, including enhanced peace, provincial elections, a thriving tourism sector, and rapid development.
He stated, “Nothing underscores this divergence more than the brief mention of Jammu and Kashmir, incorrectly referred to as Kashmir.”
“Ironically, in a year marked by improving peace and inclusive progress in that region, whether through the substantial turnout in provincial elections, booming tourism, or swift development, it is evident that the global update requires a genuine update. On a broader scale, we are concerned about global updates that oversimplify complex issues, make sweeping generalizations, utilize vague terminology, and appear to selectively pick situations,” remarked Bagchi.
He called for reflection within the High Commissioner’s office, asserting, “Mr. Vice President, while the High Commissioner has perceived a widespread unease, we propose that a crucial part of addressing this is a thorough and honest self-examination by the High Commissioner’s office.”
The 58th regular session of the Human Rights Council (HRC 58) is being held in Geneva from February 24 to April 4, 2025.
