India successfully concludes its 4th periodic review by the Human Rights Committee under the ICCPR

India successfully concluded its 4th periodic review by the Human Rights Committee under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in Geneva today.

The Indian delegation, co-led by the Ld. Attorney General for India Shri R. Venkataramani and Ld. Solicitor General of India Shri Tushar Mehta, also included Secretary(West) Shri Pavan Kapoor, and comprised senior officials from the Ministries of Women and Child Development; Social Justice and Empowerment; Electronics and Information Technology; Minority Affairs; External Affairs; Tribal Affairs; Home Affairs; and the Offices of Ld. Attorney General and Ld. Solicitor General.

The Human Rights Committee, comprising 18 independent experts serving in their individual capacity, monitors implementation of ICCPR and reviews reports of all States Parties (countries) by conducting periodic reviews, and then making observations and recommendations.

The rights and freedoms provided in ICCPR are guaranteed under the Constitution of India as well as our legislative and judicial framework. India became a State Party to ICCPR in 1979. India has undergone three ICCPR reviews in the past, the last being in 1997.

The 4th periodic review of India, which took place on 15-16 July 2024, saw the Indian delegation engaging in constructive dialogue with the members of the Human Rights Committee on a wide range of issues related to civil and political rights, and showcasing India's commitment, actions and achievements in these areas. Questions were posed on diverse topics such as anti-corruption measures, non-discrimination, status of women and of minorities, counter terrorism and national security measures, judicial framework, privacy and data protection laws, new criminal laws, etc. India also highlighted its success in the protection of rights of vulnerable groups. India's contributions to the evolution of the global human rights framework were also recalled.

During the discussions, the members of the Human Rights Committee spoke appreciatively of the traditions and ethos of India, rooted in principles such as pluralism, non-violence and diversity, which are in line with the essence of human rights. It was also noted that India is a vibrant parliamentary democracy, which successfully concluded the largest democratic exercise recently.

The review demonstrated India's commitment to engaging with the international human rights framework and its willingness to address concerns, while continuing its efforts towards protection and promotion of human rights of its citizens.

New Delhi
July 16, 2024