Both sides discussed strengthening national and international human rights mechanisms

The 10th India-EU Human Rights Dialogue took place in New Delhi on Friday, during which the EU and India reaffirmed their dedication to upholding and advancing all human rights.

In this context, as open and democratic societies, they emphasised the universality, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of all human rights, said a joint press release issued after the meeting.

According to the release, the Dialogue allowed for discussions on a wide range of human rights issues. Participants outlined their respective approaches, efforts and achievements within India and the EU since the last Dialogue in April 2021.

The dialogue led to discussions on a wide range of concerns.

India and the EU exchanged views and concerns on civil and political rights, the rights of persons belonging to minorities and vulnerable groups, freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression and opinion online and offline, women empowerment, children's rights, LGBTQI+ rights, the rights of migrants, the use of technology in the area of democracy and human rights, issues of security and human rights, business and human rights, co-operation in public health, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

During the meeting, they both agreed on the significance of protecting the rights to freedom, independence, and a variety of civil society actors, including journalists and human rights defenders, and respecting freedom of association and peaceful assembly.

The EU also reaffirmed its opposition to the capital punishment in all cases and without exception. India, on the other hand, reaffirmed its position that everyone, in all countries, has "the right to development as a distinct, universal, inalienable, and fundamental human right."

India and the EU expressed the need to foster greater engagement on human rights issues, based on internationally recognised human rights laws and standards.

Both sides recognised the importance of strengthening national and international human rights mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights and the important role of national human rights institutions, civil society actors and journalists.

During the meeting, India and the EU updated each other on their implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

The EU informed the Indian side of its recent initiatives on corporate sustainability due diligence. India updated the EU on the status of its first National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. India and the EU will deepen cooperation in the field of business and human rights.

According to the joint press release, they both reiterated their commitment to multilateralism, including to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism, and the importance of enhancing cooperation in international fora in the field of human rights, particularly at the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The Permanent Missions of India and the European Union to the UN based in Geneva will continue their exchanges and organise further joint activities following the side-event on gender equality, water and sanitation in the margins of the 50th UNHRC session.

India and the EU reiterated their commitment to the shared principles and values of democracy, freedom, rule of law and respect for human rights. India and the EU looked forward to the next Human Rights Dialogue in 2023, the press release said.

The Human Rights Dialogue was co-chaired by Joint Secretary for Europe West in the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Sandeep Chakravorty, and the Ambassador of the European Union to India, Ugo Astuto.