India has described enforced disappearances as grave human rights violations and called for prevention, accountability and the protection of civil society during a statement at the United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee.
Barkha Tamrakar, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), delivered India’s statement on the agenda item “Working Group on Enforced Disappearances”.
She reaffirmed that Article 21 of the Constitution, the writ of habeas corpus, the National Human Rights Commission and State Human Rights Commissions provide safeguards and avenues for redress against enforced disappearances. Independent media and civil society also contribute to transparency, she said.
India noted that it has signed the Convention on Enforced Disappearances and stressed that law enforcement authorities are bound by law.
The statement also called for engagement based on dialogue, cooperation, non-selectivity and transparency.
