Views expressed on the outcome by States members and observers of the Council

2. Views expressed on the outcome by States members
and observers of the Council

402. The Netherlands, highlighting its role as a troika member during the review of India, congratulated India on the professional way in which it conducted its review. The Netherlands expressed gratitude for its responses during the session and suggested that India, before the next review in four years time, voluntarily undertake to inform the Council on the progress made on the recommendations agreed to during the Working Group as well as, where appropriate, developments regarding the recommendations that it did not agreed to, or could not yet agree to, as is the case for recommendations Nos. 7 and 9 and the signing of Conventions Nos. 138 concerning Minimum Age for Admission to Employment and 182 concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour of the International Labour Organization, as well as regarding the reservation to article 32 to the Convention of the Rights of the Child.

403. The United Arab Emirates welcomed the adoption by the Government of India of the conclusions and recommendations made during the review. It commended India on allowing national civil society to participate in the follow-up to these conclusions and recommendations, which shows India’s spirit of democracy and transparency. It also commended India on its decision to ratify a number of human rights treaties and its openness to international monitoring and to recommendations made by agencies in the field of human rights, in particular regarding the rights of women and children. The United Arab Emirates also noted that India is a vast and multicultural country, which may constitute a challenge for the promotion of human rights. It called on the Council to appreciate all the efforts made by India to preserve its deep-rooted democracy, eradicate poverty, improve economic and social circumstances and further promote education and development. The United Arab Emirates hoped that India will find all the necessary support and assistance from the Council to implement all the recommendations.

404. Qatar expressed its appreciation for India’s cooperation with the Council and the steps taken for the promotion of all human rights and for the implementation of the recommendations, in spite of the challenges faced. Qatar stated that India, after accepting most of the recommendations presented by the Working Group, has taken measures aiming at signing and ratifying some international instruments. It has accepted to implement article 16 of Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and of the Optional Protocol thereto. India is one of the first signatories of the Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and is determined to ratify it. It is working on the elaboration of a national plan of action on human rights, in particular in relation to the rights of women and children, and on the ratification of the Convention against Torture and the International Labour Organization Conventions Nos. 138 and 182. This series of reforms demonstrates the commitment of India to all human rights. Qatar reiterated its appreciation for the achievements accomplished and called on India to continue the reform process for the benefit of all its citizens.

405. China thanked the Indian delegation for the seriousness of its responses to the outcome of the review, which fully demonstrates the importance it attaches to the universal periodic review mechanism. It congratulated India for the rapid economic growth achieved over recent years which has improved the livelihood of its people. India has not only established a comprehensive national system for the protection of human rights, but also adopted effective measures to promote human rights and respond to various challenges. China appreciated the special measures adopted to protect minorities and all vulnerable groups. It believed that India will, in the light of its national circumstances, take into consideration and follow up on the recommendations put forward in an open and constructive manner. It was also convinced that in four years time, India will have achieved more progress in the field of human rights.

406. Sri Lanka appreciated the exemplary manner in which India subjected itself to the universal periodic review and commended it on the open, frank, constructive and practical approach it has adopted in responding to the recommendations made during the session of the Working Group. It noted that during the review, India’s numerous efforts and initiatives in the field of human rights were recognized as examples of best practices by many delegations. Sri Lanka appreciated India’s responses to recommendations Nos. 8 and 10 made by Mauritius and Algeria, and looked forward to learning more from India’s experience. Sri Lanka shared India’s view that the lack of adequate resources and insufficient national capacity in developing countries’ handicap and the ability of the State to secure the full enjoyment of civil and political rights. Despite challenges and constraints, India’s commitment and achievement in nurturing a diverse and multifaceted society is a model.

407. Morocco thanked the delegation for the clear presentation of the measures taken to implement the recommendations of the Working Group, which demonstrates India’s commitment to human rights and to the strengthening of the Council and its new mechanism. India continues to be a model of a living, dynamic and tolerant democracy. The work accomplished in the field of economic and social development and human rights is noticeable despite objective difficulties. Morocco particularly appreciated that India has adopted a national plan of action for human rights education, and encouraged it to continue its sustained interaction with the Council and its mechanisms.

408. Ghana commended India on its cooperation and openness during the review process. As a member of the troika for India’s report, it noted the seriousness with which India undertook the exercise, which reflects India’s commitment to human rights. Ghana believed that the final report and the various recommendations which have been accepted will contribute further to the strengthening of the protection and promotion of human right son the ground.