No double standards: India tells UNHRC, flags terror victims’ rights

India urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to end ‘selectivity’ in protecting human dignity and expressed regret that the body lacks a clear focus on the rights of terror victims. Ambassador Arindam Bagchi said in Geneva on Thursday (8 October) that there must be no double standards or hierarchy of human life. The remarks featured in a video summary, posted by India’s Permanent Mission, of the country’s interventions during the Council’s month-long 63rd session that concluded on 7 October.

India pressed for early conclusion of the draft International Covenant on the Right to Development and backed farmers’ access to climate-resilient seeds while urging developed nations to deliver promised climate finance. The mission highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MANAV vision for democratising artificial intelligence. On the Indian diaspora, India sought safeguards against wage theft and passport confiscation, stating host countries are responsible for their welfare. In a Rights of Reply, Counsellor Kshitij Tyagi said Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and accused Pakistan of arming and sending terrorists who drove Kashmiri Pandits from their homes in 1990.