India has called on the international community to take an "unequivocal and resolute" position against terrorism while striking the right balance between effectively tackling the global menace and observing human rights standards.
"Terrorism challenges the very principle of freedom from fear and is one of the major threats to the full enjoyment of human rights. Terrorism is an attack on democracy, human dignity, human rights and development," First Secretary in the Indian Mission to the UN Mayank Joshi said at a UN General Assembly session on 'Promotion and Protection of Human Rights' here.
Joshi however said that "unfortunately" an understanding of the linkage between countering terrorism and promoting human rights remains mired in suspicion and misunderstanding.
"The challenge lies in striking the right balance between the imperatives of effectively tackling terrorism on the one hand and fully observing international law and human rights standards, on the other," he said.
Joshi stressed that the international community has to take "unequivocal and resolute" position against terrorism in order to enhance cooperation to prevent and stop terrorism aimed at the destruction of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy, threatening territorial integrity and security of states and de-stabilising legitimately constituted governments.
He said the primary responsibility to promote and protect human rights rests with nations.
"It is imperative that we fully respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all UN member- states, including when considering human rights themes, situations and strategies," Joshi said.
"Any attempt to single out countries for intrusive monitoring and pointing out the failure of the state mechanism in the promotion and protection of human rights of its citizens can be counterproductive," he said.
