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Summary: On 24 May 2012, the UPR working group examined the human rights situation in India.
On 24 May 2012, the UPR working group examined the human rights situation in India. The Indian delegation frequently referred to the enormous size and diversity of India’s population, highlighting the difficult task facing the Indian government in adequately protecting the human rights of all citizens. Although India’s successes in maintaining a tolerant, democratic order were recognised, various instances of institutionalised discrimination were raised in the course of the review. The delegation was led by India’s Attorney-General, Mr Goolam Vahanvati, who spoke with rhetorical flourish and declared that India’s human rights record in relation to tolerance is ‘better than any other nation in the developing world’. He described India’s individualised ‘rights-based approach’ to human rights, highlighting advancements in social and economic rights such as the reduction of poverty, infant mortality, and LGBT rights. He pointed to legislative actions taken by the Government to protect these rights, some of which developed from recommendations made during the last review. 80 States participated in the discussion, leaving each speaker with a 1 minute 30 second time slot. Generally, States affirmed the achievements highlighted by Mr Vahanvati, and focussed praise on action taken in decriminalising homosexuality, extending a standing invitation to Special Procedures, and taking measures to reduce HIV rates. Concern was raised about a variety of subjects, focussing on the need to: Further Information