India on Thursday abstained in the UN General Assembly on a resolution by Ukraine and its allies on the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn eastern European country, saying the focus should be on cessation of hostilities and on urgent humanitarian assistance and the draft did not fully reflect New Delhi's expected to focus on these challenges.

The 193-member UN General Assembly adopted the draft resolution 'Humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine' by Ukraine and its western allies, with 140 nations voting in favour, five against and 38 abstentions. India abstained on the resolution.

"We firmly believe efforts at the United Nations should contribute to de-escalation of the conflict, facilitate immediate cessation of hostilities to promote dialogue and diplomacy and bring together parties to find an immediate end to the suffering of the people," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said in the Explanation of Vote after the resolution was adopted.

"We continue to underline the need to respect the UN Charter, international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. India abstained on the resolution since what we require now is to focus on cessation of hostilities and on urgent humanitarian assistance. The draft resolution did not fully reflect our expected focus on these challenges," Tirumurti said, reiterating India's call for immediate ceasefire.

Tirumurti underlined that India continues to remain deeply concerned at the ongoing situation which has rapidly been deteriorating since the beginning of the hostilities. He noted that the conflict has resulted in death of civilians, and nearly 10 million people have either been displaced internally or moved to neighbouring countries.

"We have constantly called for cessation of hostilities," he said, noting with concern that the humanitarian situation continues to worsen, particularly in the conflict zones in urban areas.

"Women, children and elderly are disproportionately affected by the prolonging of this conflict," he said.

Tirumurti emphasised that there is an urgent need to address the humanitarian needs of the affected population. India supports the initiatives of the UN and its agencies and expressed hope that the international community will continue to respond positively to the humanitarian needs of the people of Ukraine, including through extending generous support to the Secretary General's flash appeal and the regional refugee response plan on Ukraine.

He underscored that it is important that humanitarian action is always guided by the principles of humanitarian assistance, which is humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. "These measures should not be politicized."

Tirumurti told the General Assembly that India has already sent over 90 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, including medicines and other essential relief material, to Ukraine and its neighbours as part of the nine separate tranches of humanitarian assistance delivered so far.

India is in the process of sending further supplies in the coming days. He also said that India has ensured the safe return of about 22,500 Indians from Ukraine through the Operation Ganga involving 90 flights.

"We have also assisted nationals from 18 other countries in that process. We are deeply appreciative of the facilitation rendered by the authorities of Ukraine and its neighbouring countries and ensuring their safe return."

A rival resolution was also proposed in the UNGA by South Africa 'Humanitarian situation emanating out of the conflict in Ukraine'. It made no mention of Russia and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities by "all parties"&nbsp;in the conflict.

Following objections by Ukraine, the assembly voted to decided whether action should be taken in the UNGA on the South African-led draft resolution. With 67 member states voting against, 50 in favour and 36 abstentions, the resolution, supported by China, was not put for vote and no action was taken on that draft. India abstained on this vote as well.

On Wednesday, India, along with 12 other UN Security Council members, had abstained on a resolution by Russia on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The UNSC resolution failed to pass as it did not get the required 9 yes votes. Only Russia and China voted in favour of the UNSC resolution.

The draft resolution on Ukraine in the General Assembly demands an immediate cessation of the hostilities by Russia against Ukraine, in particular of any attacks against civilians and civilian objects; demands that civilians, including humanitarian personnel, journalists and persons in vulnerable situations, including women and children, be fully protected and also demands that all parties protect civilians fleeing armed conflict and violence, including foreign nationals, notably students, without discrimination, to allow voluntary, safe and unhindered passage.

The resolution recognised that the military offensive of the Russian Federation inside the sovereign territory of Ukraine and its humanitarian consequences are on a scale that the international community has not seen in Europe in decades and reiterated the call of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Russia to stop its military offensive, as well as his call to establish a ceasefire and to return to the path of dialogue and negotiations.

The resolution also recalled its demand that the Russian Federation immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

When the 11th Emergency Special Session was opened on February 28, the UN General Assembly had on March 2 adopted a resolution titled 'Aggression against Ukraine' that had overwhelmingly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and demanded that Moscow 'completely and unconditionally'&nbsp;withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine.

India had abstained on the resolution, which was co-sponsored by 96 UN Member States and received 141 votes in favour, a total of 34 abstentions and five nations voting against.&nbsp;

India on Thursday abstained in the UN General Assembly on a resolution by Ukraine and its allies on the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn eastern European country, saying the focus should be on cessation of hostilities and on urgent humanitarian assistance and the draft did not fully reflect New Delhi's expected to focus on these challenges.

India on Thursday abstained in the UN General Assembly on a resolution by Ukraine and its allies on the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn eastern European country, saying the focus should be on cessation of hostilities and on urgent humanitarian assistance and the draft did not fully reflect New Delhi's expected to focus on these challenges. The 193-member UN General Assembly adopted the draft resolution 'Humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine' by Ukraine and its western allies, with 140 nations voting in favour, five against and 38 abstentions. India abstained on the resolution. "We firmly believe efforts at the United Nations should contribute to de-escalation of the conflict, facilitate immediate cessation of hostilities to promote dialogue and diplomacy and bring together parties to find an immediate end to the suffering of the people," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said in the Explanation of Vote after the resolution was adopted. "We continue to underline the need to respect the UN Charter, international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. India abstained on the resolution since what we require now is to focus on cessation of hostilities and on urgent humanitarian assistance. The draft resolution did not fully reflect our expected focus on these challenges," Tirumurti said, reiterating India's call for immediate ceasefire. Tirumurti underlined that India continues to remain deeply concerned at the ongoing situation which has rapidly been deteriorating since the beginning of the hostilities. He noted that the conflict has resulted in death of civilians, and nearly 10 million people have either been displaced internally or moved to neighbouring countries. "We have constantly called for cessation of hostilities," he said, noting with concern that the humanitarian situation continues to worsen, particularly in the conflict zones in urban areas. "Women, children and elderly are disproportionately affected by the prolonging of this conflict," he said. Tirumurti emphasised that there is an urgent need to address the humanitarian needs of the affected population. India supports the initiatives of the UN and its agencies and expressed hope that the international community will continue to respond positively to the humanitarian needs of the people of Ukraine, including through extending generous support to the Secretary General's flash appeal and the regional refugee response plan on Ukraine. He underscored that it is important that humanitarian action is always guided by the principles of humanitarian assistance, which is humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. "These measures should not be politicized." Tirumurti told the General Assembly that India has already sent over 90 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, including medicines and other essential relief material, to Ukraine and its neighbours as part of the nine separate tranches of humanitarian assistance delivered so far. India is in the process of sending further supplies in the coming days. He also said that India has ensured the safe return of about 22,500 Indians from Ukraine through the Operation Ganga involving 90 flights. "We have also assisted nationals from 18 other countries in that process. We are deeply appreciative of the facilitation rendered by the authorities of Ukraine and its neighbouring countries and ensuring their safe return." A rival resolution was also proposed in the UNGA by South Africa 'Humanitarian situation emanating out of the conflict in Ukraine'. It made no mention of Russia and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities by "all parties" in the conflict. Following objections by Ukraine, the assembly voted to decided whether action should be taken in the UNGA on the South African-led draft resolution. With 67 member states voting against, 50 in favour and 36 abstentions, the resolution, supported by China, was not put for vote and no action was taken on that draft. India abstained on this vote as well. On Wednesday, India, along with 12 other UN Security Council members, had abstained on a resolution by Russia on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The UNSC resolution failed to pass as it did not get the required 9 yes votes. Only Russia and China voted in favour of the UNSC resolution. The draft resolution on Ukraine in the General Assembly demands an immediate cessation of the hostilities by Russia against Ukraine, in particular of any attacks against civilians and civilian objects; demands that civilians, including humanitarian personnel, journalists and persons in vulnerable situations, including women and children, be fully protected and also demands that all parties protect civilians fleeing armed conflict and violence, including foreign nationals, notably students, without discrimination, to allow voluntary, safe and unhindered passage. The resolution recognised that the military offensive of the Russian Federation inside the sovereign territory of Ukraine and its humanitarian consequences are on a scale that the international community has not seen in Europe in decades and reiterated the call of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Russia to stop its military offensive, as well as his call to establish a ceasefire and to return to the path of dialogue and negotiations. The resolution also recalled its demand that the Russian Federation immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. When the 11th Emergency Special Session was opened on February 28, the UN General Assembly had on March 2 adopted a resolution titled 'Aggression against Ukraine' that had overwhelmingly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and demanded that Moscow 'completely and unconditionally' withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine. India had abstained on the resolution, which was co-sponsored by 96 UN Member States and received 141 votes in favour, a total of 34 abstentions and five nations voting against.

India abstains in UN General Assembly resolution on Ukraine

With India being part of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as the non-permanent member from January 1, 2021, and UN 75 years of celebration (2020) hangover rolling over to next year, the debate on UNSC reforms continues, with no worthwhile progress, despite high pitch for reforms made by many countries including India.

India begins 2-year stint at UNSC: What values will guide India's approach?

India became a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on January 1 for a two-year term. Monday will be the first active day of India in the stint.

India begins 8th term as non-permanent member of UNSC

India became a non permanent member of the United Nations security Council (UNSC) on January 1 for a two-year term. Monday will be the first active day of India in the stint.

India begins two-year stint at UNSC as non-permanent member

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday highlighted New Delhi's commitment to United Nations, and said it has deeply invested in UN's success. He added the world collectively needs to "work together to make this one UN we have the best possible UN there can be".

Speaking at an event marking the release of a stamp on the 75th anniversary of the New York-based global body, Jaishankar said, "In the last 75 years, the UN has served as a platform for nations of the world to come under one roof, and work together towards a better future for mankind. As a founding member of UN, India has invested its heart and soul, right from the crafting of the principles of the UN charter to being in forefront of keeping the peace."

He also commented on India's upcoming two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, saying, "As we look forward to beginning our eighth term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC on January 2021, it is important that at the historic juncture of the 75-year long journey of the UN, we recommit to join hands to work with vigour and dedication to bring the goals and objective of the UN, closer to the aspirations of its member states and more importantly the aspirations of our people."

India's postal department had previously released similar such commemorative postage stamps on UN’s 9th, 40th and 50th Anniversaries in 1954, 1985 and 1995 respectively.

Present on the occasion were Secretary West Vikas Swarup, Secretary (Posts), Department of Post and virtually Chief of UN Postal administration, heads of 22 UN agencies in India, India's permanent representatives and envoys from New York, Paris, Geneva, Vienna, Rome, Bangkok and Nairobi.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday highlighted New Delhi's commitment to United Nations, and said it has deeply invested in UN's success.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday highlighted New Delhi's commitment to United Nations, and said it has deeply invested in UN's success. He added the world collectively needs to "work together to make this one UN we have the best possible UN there can be". Speaking at an event marking the release of a stamp on the 75th anniversary of the New York-based global body, Jaishankar said, "In the last 75 years, the UN has served as a platform for nations of the world to come under one roof, and work together towards a better future for mankind. As a founding member of UN, India has invested its heart and soul, right from the crafting of the principles of the UN charter to being in forefront of keeping the peace." He also commented on India's upcoming two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, saying, "As we look forward to beginning our eighth term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC on January 2021, it is important that at the historic juncture of the 75-year long journey of the UN, we recommit to join hands to work with vigour and dedication to bring the goals and objective of the UN, closer to the aspirations of its member states and more importantly the aspirations of our people." India's postal department had previously released similar such commemorative postage stamps on UN’s 9th, 40th and 50th Anniversaries in 1954, 1985 and 1995 respectively. Present on the occasion were Secretary West Vikas Swarup, Secretary (Posts), Department of Post and virtually Chief of UN Postal administration, heads of 22 UN agencies in India, India's permanent representatives and envoys from New York, Paris, Geneva, Vienna, Rome, Bangkok and Nairobi.

India deeply invested in UN's success, EAM Jaishankar says

UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet voiced her dismay Tuesday at the arrest of activists in India and restrictions to the work of non-governmental organisations.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights appealed to New Delhi to safeguard the rights of human rights defenders and NGOs.

Bachelet regretted what she called the application of vaguely worded laws that constrain NGOs' activities and restrict foreign funding.

"India has long had a strong civil society, which has been at the forefront of groundbreaking human rights advocacy," the former Chilean president said.

"But I am concerned that vaguely defined laws are increasingly being used to stifle these voices."

Bachelet took aim at the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, which prohibits the receipt of foreign funds "for any activities prejudicial to the public interest".

"The FCRA has been invoked over the years to justify an array of highly intrusive&nbsp;measures," she said, including "official raids on NGO offices and freezing of bank accounts".

"I am concerned that such actions based on the grounds of vaguely defined 'public interest' leave this law open to abuse, and that it is indeed actually being used to deter or punish NGOs for human rights reporting and advocacy that the authorities perceive as critical in nature."

Bachelet said that activists and human rights defenders had come under mounting pressure in recent months, particularly those involved in mass protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

More than 1,500 people have reportedly been arrested, she said, including 83-year-old Catholic priest Stan Swamy.

"I urge the government to ensure that no one else is detained for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly," Bachelet said, as she called for the release of those charged for "simply exercising basic human rights."

UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet voiced her dismay Tuesday at the arrest of activists in India and restrictions to the work of non-governmental organisations. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights appealed to New Delhi to safeguard the rights of human rights defenders and NGOs.

UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet voiced her dismay Tuesday at the arrest of activists in India and restrictions to the work of non-governmental organisations. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights appealed to New Delhi to safeguard the rights of human rights defenders and NGOs. Bachelet regretted what she called the application of vaguely worded laws that constrain NGOs' activities and restrict foreign funding. "India has long had a strong civil society, which has been at the forefront of groundbreaking human rights advocacy," the former Chilean president said. "But I am concerned that vaguely defined laws are increasingly being used to stifle these voices." Bachelet took aim at the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, which prohibits the receipt of foreign funds "for any activities prejudicial to the public interest". "The FCRA has been invoked over the years to justify an array of highly intrusive measures," she said, including "official raids on NGO offices and freezing of bank accounts". "I am concerned that such actions based on the grounds of vaguely defined 'public interest' leave this law open to abuse, and that it is indeed actually being used to deter or punish NGOs for human rights reporting and advocacy that the authorities perceive as critical in nature." Bachelet said that activists and human rights defenders had come under mounting pressure in recent months, particularly those involved in mass protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. More than 1,500 people have reportedly been arrested, she said, including 83-year-old Catholic priest Stan Swamy. "I urge the government to ensure that no one else is detained for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly," Bachelet said, as she called for the release of those charged for "simply exercising basic human rights."

UN 'dismayed' at India arrests, NGO restrictions

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