Terrorism continues to be one of the gravest threats to humankind: Jaishankar


Team Udayavani, Feb 23, 2021, 6:39 PM IST

Geneva: India on Tuesday underlined that terrorism continues to be one of the gravest threats to humankind and it can never be justified, nor its perpetrators ever equated with its victims.

Speaking at the high-level segment of the 46th session of Human Rights Council, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said terrorism is a crime against humanity and violates the most fundamental human right namely the right to life.

“Terrorism continues to be one of the gravest threats to humankind,” he said in a virtual address.

“As a long-standing victim, India has been in the forefront of the global action against terrorism. This is possible only when there is a clear realisation, including in bodies dealing with human rights, that terrorism can never be justified, nor its perpetrators ever equated with its victims,” he said in a veiled reference to Pakistan which is accused of providing safe havens to terrorists and often glorifying them.

He said India presented last month at the UN an eight-point action plan to deal with the scourge of terrorism. “We will continue to work together with members of the UNSC and other states to ensure implementation of our action plan,” he added.

He said that the human rights agenda continues to face severe challenges, most of all from terrorism. The perennial concerns remain equally strong, be it global inequities or armed conflicts, he added.

“The ongoing pandemic has complicated the situation in many geographies. There is a need for us to come together to overcome these challenges. At the same time, multilateral institutions and mechanisms need to be reformed to be able to deal with these effectively,” he said.

He said that violation of and gaps in implementation of human rights should be addressed in a fair and just manner, with objectivity, non-selectivity, transparency and with due respect to the principles of non-interference in internal affairs and national sovereignty.

Jaishankar said India”s approach to the UN Human Rights Council is guided by its spirit of engagement, dialogue and consultation. “We believe that equal emphasis should be placed on both promotion and protection of human rights. Both are best pursued through dialogue, consultation and cooperation amongst States as well as technical assistance and capacity building,” he said.

“We also believe that achievement of sustainable development goals will contribute to realisation and enjoyment of basic human rights,” he added.

“As a member of the Human Rights Council, we remain committed to work together with fellow members of the Council to achieve consensus,” he said.

He said India has always played an active role in global promotion and protection of human rights.

“Our strong commitment to the welfare of the entire humanity, inspired by our civilisational ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam’ or ‘the World is one family’ has provided the very foundation on which our constitutional and legal framework of human rights has been built,” he said.

“Our approach is based on our own experience as an inclusive and pluralistic society and a vibrant democracy. Our Constitution has enshrined basic human rights as fundamental rights, guaranteeing civil and political rights, stipulating provisions for progressive realisation of economic, social and cultural rights,” he said.

He said India”s abiding commitment to promotion and protection of basic human rights has been manifest in its strategy to deal with COVID-19 pandemic. India ensured that basic needs were very effectively addressed even during the COVID-19 lockdown, he said.

“As we addressed the health front at home, we responded to the world in equal measure. We provided essential medicines and equipment to more than 150 countries to assist them in this fight,” he said.

In the same spirit, India has pledged to use its vaccine manufacturing capacity to make vaccines accessible and affordable to all. From Bangladesh to Brazil and from Morocco to Fiji, the pharmacy of the world is today supplying millions of vaccine doses to more than 70 countries, he added.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to take all the possible steps to ensure fullest enjoyment of basic human rights of our people, including inclusive and sustainable development. India is building a better and fairer society at home; it is also contributing to a better and fairer world,” he added.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Kinnigoli: Truck carrying red stone collides with Auto-Rickshaw; driver injured

UP govt to install 150,000 toilets for Maha Kumbh, set up paying guest facilities

Kavoor Police arrest two notorious cattle thieves

Udupi: Unidentified body found near Bailkere’s Vidhyodaya School

Sexual harassment case cannot be closed on basis of compromise between parties: SC

MLC Ivan D’Souza defends CM Siddaramaiah’s Lokayukta appearance, criticizes BJP’s ‘Drama’ claims

Ranji Trophy: Shreyas Iyer’s majestic 233 puts Mumbai in complete command against Odisha

Related Articles More

Indian consulate in Canada cancels consular camps due over security issues

Hindu temple in Brampton suspends priest for spreading ‘violent rhetoric’

President Xi congratulates Trump; says China, US should find ‘right way’ to manage differences

Harris, Trump agree on importance of unifying country as they speak over phone

Under extraordinary circumstances Harris stepped up, led historic campaign: Biden

MUST WATCH

Gho Pooja in Deepavali Festival

Melukote Deepavali

Ganapathi Co-operative Society Ltd

Udayavani Chinnara Banna 2024

Annapoorna Aahar | Food Places In Mysore


Latest Additions

Felling of trees: What is being done to restore Delhi Ridge? SC asks DDA

Kinnigoli: Truck carrying red stone collides with Auto-Rickshaw; driver injured

UP govt to install 150,000 toilets for Maha Kumbh, set up paying guest facilities

Kavoor Police arrest two notorious cattle thieves

Udupi: Unidentified body found near Bailkere’s Vidhyodaya School

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.