United Nations, Feb 26 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to human rights, one that integrates development and capacity-building to achieve “significant enhancements in the everyday lives of the most vulnerable populations” while addressing terrorism instead of engaging in debates characterized by “politicisation, selectivity, or double standards.”

In a virtual address to the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday, he stated, “In a world affected by conflict, polarization, and uncertainty, India aims to discover and broaden common ground.”

“We have consistently highlighted the importance of dialogue over confrontation, consensus over division, and a human-centric approach to development over narrow interests,” he asserted.

To ensure that the UN and Human Rights Council fulfill their commitment to human rights, they must “promote zero-tolerance for terrorist actions,” he added.

“Terrorism represents one of the gravest violations of human rights, and no justification exists, particularly when it targets innocent lives,” he remarked.

India was elected to the Human Rights Council for the seventh time in October, pledging to act as a “bridge-builder.”

It received a resounding mandate, securing 177 of the 188 votes in the General Assembly.

“Our mandate is a reflection of the trust and expectations from the international community, especially from partners in the Global South,” Jaishankar noted.

“India approaches this Council with the belief that human rights are best advanced through dialogue, capacity-building, and authentic partnerships, not through politicisation, selectivity, or double standards,” he stated.

Regarding the Council, he expressed, “As the world's largest democracy, India is committed to collaborating with all members and observers to promote and safeguard all human rights, for every individual, based on equality, openness, and respect.”

Jaishankar elaborated that India’s vision of human rights “is founded on the understanding that the insecurity of any region or the marginalization of any group ultimately jeopardizes the rights and welfare of all.”

His address contained subtle criticisms of the narrow human rights focus prevalent among some Western nations and institutions.

While discussing India’s comprehensive perspective on human rights, Jaishankar remarked, “We speak from our experiences as a developing country that has faced poverty and external shocks, yet has chosen the path of democracy, pluralism, and social justice.”

In light of ongoing discussions about technology and human rights and the risks of a widening global divide, Jaishankar asserted, “Technology must serve as a force multiplier for human rights, rather than a new fault line.”

He cited India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as an example, stating that the nation “is investing in the development of human capacities on an unprecedented scale.”

This initiative has “enabled hundreds of millions to access welfare benefits, financial services, and public schemes, with transparency and minimal leakage,” he noted, adding that India is sharing its expertise for the global public good.

Highlighting the significance of development in enabling people to genuinely experience human rights, he remarked, “the devastating effects of the pandemic, climate change, geopolitical tensions, and economic stress have worsened existing inequalities.”