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India calls for requisite means to fight terrorism
Geneva, Mar 19: Describing terrorism as a ``frontal assault`` on the most basic human rights, life and liberty, India said states must have the requisite means at their disposal to fight the scourge as it is their primary responsibility to ensure safety of their people.
Geneva, Mar 19: Describing terrorism as a ''frontal assault'' on the most basic human rights, life and liberty, India said states must have the requisite means at their disposal to fight the scourge as it is their primary responsibility to ensure safety of their people.
Foreign Secretary Shashank, in his address at the 'High-Level Segment of the 60th Session of the Commission on Human Rights', said a state is the first line of defence against terrorism and no state, group or person had the right to engage in any activity aimed at destruction of rights and freedoms.
''Terrorism has to be fought internationally by the community of civilised nations for which states must have the requisite means at their disposal,'' he said. He, however, said that at the same time, counter-terrorism measures should preserve the rule of law, protect human rights and sustain democracy. Referring to the terrorist attacks in Spain and Iraq during the last few days, the foreign secretary said the commission on human rights owed a special responsibility to recognise and address the rights of the victims of terrorism.
Assuring the commission of India's full support in protecting and promoting human rights worldwide, the foreign secretary said democracy in India had stood the test of time and as a secular, pluralistic society, India eloquently demonstrated why no country should accept a lesser system.
''In a few weeks from now, an electorate of over 600 million Indians will participate in the largest exercise of the right to universal adult franchise in world. This is testimony not only to the resilience of our constitution, but also to the strength of the other pillars of the national protection system--a free press, an independent judiciary and an accountable executive,'' he added.
Bureau Report
''Terrorism has to be fought internationally by the community of civilised nations for which states must have the requisite means at their disposal,'' he said. He, however, said that at the same time, counter-terrorism measures should preserve the rule of law, protect human rights and sustain democracy. Referring to the terrorist attacks in Spain and Iraq during the last few days, the foreign secretary said the commission on human rights owed a special responsibility to recognise and address the rights of the victims of terrorism.
Assuring the commission of India's full support in protecting and promoting human rights worldwide, the foreign secretary said democracy in India had stood the test of time and as a secular, pluralistic society, India eloquently demonstrated why no country should accept a lesser system.
''In a few weeks from now, an electorate of over 600 million Indians will participate in the largest exercise of the right to universal adult franchise in world. This is testimony not only to the resilience of our constitution, but also to the strength of the other pillars of the national protection system--a free press, an independent judiciary and an accountable executive,'' he added.
Bureau Report