India UPR Brief: India Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was presented by Attorney General of India, Goolam Vahanvati and his Ministerial delegates. In its UPR presentation, India stressed on three policies – Right to Information, Right to Education & Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Gurantee Act (MGNREGA). However, ‘internet-related human rights issue’ was not mentioned during the review.
DEF member, Ritu Srivastava participated and engaged in constructive dialogue with several countries under review as part of the 13th session of the UPR, a process of the UN Human Rights Council that helps in tracking human rights protection and violations in all countries.
Sweden raised their questions with respect to freedom of expression and new amendments in Information Act. Countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Greece and Senegal recommended providing more information on right to information. South Africa recommended ensuring access of basic services to rural citizens.