Countries should protect human rights: India

From Yoshita Singh United Nations, Jan 20 (PTI) Arguing that justice and rule of law are necessary pre-conditions for peace and development, India has said UN member countries should fulfill their obligations to protect human rights and eliminate policies that discriminate against women. "As the world's largest democracy and arguably one of its most diverse countries, India firmly believes that the rule of law is a necessary pre-condition for sustainable peace and development in any society.

Indeed, justice and the rule of law are pre-conditions for maintenance of peace and security at the international level as well," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Hardeep Singh Puri said at an open debate on 'Justice and Rule of Law' here. He said strengthening the rule of law at the national level necessitates that UN countries fulfill their obligations to observe and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

Further, it is also necessary to eliminate policies and practices that discriminate against women. Countries should adopt laws and promote practices that protect the rights of women and other vulnerable sections of society and promote gender equality. Puri said compliance with the rule of law standards not only facilitates in resolving conflicts and achieving stability and development in post-conflict situations, it also helps underprivileged and other vulnerable sections of society in getting justice, dignity and empowerment.

India supports activities of UN agencies in assisting countries in conflict and post-conflict situations in building their capacity to ensure justice and rule of law for all sections of their societies.


(2012-01-20/ibnlive.in)