NEW DELHI: India is gearing up for the periodic review of its Human Rights’ track record at the UN Human Rights Council on May 4 after four years. New Delhi would be emphasizing on its “impartial judicial system” and philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (all together and development for all) to highlight its pro-Human Rights record.
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a process of the Human Rights Council which involves a review of the human rights record of 193 UN Member States once every four years in Geneva. The Indian government had submitted its report to UNHRC twice earlier in 2008 and 2012. India’s Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi would be defending India at the UNHRC.
India’s stand will be undergirded on the judicial trials of Yakub Menon – the accused in the 1993 Mumbai Blasts; and Ajmal Kasab – the perpetrator of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.
“Aware that historical factors as well as extant social structures can render certain communities more vulnerable to exclusion, marginalization and human rights violations, India prioritizes, through a range of protective and affirmative measures, the attainment of liberty and development for all. In the spirit of leaving no one behind, India follows the motto of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (all together and development for all),” the report submitted by India reads.
The UN body would be analyzing the incidents of violence against members of Dalit, Muslim, tribal and Christian communities. Jammu and Kashmir will find a special mention as the UNHRC’s Special Rapporteur has asked India to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (ASFSPA) that gives special powers to the Indian Armed Forces while working in areas declared “disturbed” by the Indian government. The members of the Human Rights Council have raised questions over treatment of religious minorities in India and the stand of the Indian government on Article 377 that criminalizes same sex relationships.