India Successfully Completes UN Review on Civil and Political Rights

India recently marked a significant achievement by successfully concluding its fourth periodic review under the United Nations' International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). This review, conducted by the Human Rights Committee in Geneva, was a testament to India's ongoing commitment to upholding and promoting civil and political rights within the international human rights framework.

The ICCPR, a pivotal multilateral treaty adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1966 and effective since 1976, requires nations to respect and ensure various civil and political rights. India, having become a party to this covenant in 1979, has undergone previous reviews, with the most recent before this being in 1997. The fourth review, held from July 15 to 16, 2024, saw India's delegation engaging in detailed and constructive dialogues with the committee members.

The Indian delegation, co-led by Attorney General R. Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, also included Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). They addressed numerous queries from the committee covering a broad spectrum of issues such as anti-corruption measures, non-discrimination policies, the status of women and minorities, counter-terrorism strategies, national security, the judicial framework, privacy and data protection laws, and the introduction of new criminal laws.

Throughout the discussions, India emphasized its progress in protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, highlighting efforts and achievements in areas like women’s rights, minority protections, and combating discrimination. The committee members acknowledged India's traditions and ethos, particularly its principles of pluralism, non-violence, and diversity, which align closely with the essence of human rights.

The review process not only demonstrated India's willingness to address international concerns but also showcased its proactive stance in engaging with the global human rights framework. The MEA underscored that the rights and freedoms enshrined in the ICCPR are guaranteed under India's Constitution and supported by its legislative and judicial systems.

Moreover, the MEA highlighted India's vibrant democracy, pointing out that the country had recently concluded the world's largest democratic exercise. The review also served as an opportunity to reflect on India's contributions to the evolution of the global human rights framework, reaffirming its commitment to these fundamental principles.

The Human Rights Committee, consisting of 18 independent experts, plays a crucial role in monitoring the implementation of the ICCPR across its state parties. These experts conduct periodic reviews and provide observations and recommendations to ensure continuous improvement in human rights practices worldwide.

India's successful completion of this periodic review is a positive reflection of its dedication to human rights. It underscores the nation's efforts to maintain a transparent, accountable, and inclusive approach to governance, ensuring the protection and promotion of civil and political rights for all its citizens.

This achievement not only reinforces India's position on the global stage as a committed advocate of human rights but also sets a precedent for continued dialogue and cooperation within the international community.