Statement by India at the 37^th Session of Human Rights Council (26 February-23 March 2018) on Agenda Item 3: Annual Interactive Debate on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, delivered by Dr. A. Sudhakara Reddy, Counsellor (Legal). [Geneva, 07 March 2018]

Mr. President,

We thank all the Panellists for highlighting the importance of Article 13 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

India is of the view that to achieve the desired goal under the Convention, multi-dimensional accommodations and adjustments in the existing infrastructure are imperative to ensure access to justice to persons with disabilities under Article 13. Since the Convention has seen a paradigm shift from the charity based perspective to the rights based approach, a progressive realisation of all obligations under the Convention is more desirable to ensure access to justice under Article 13.

Indian Constitution provides the required mandate to guarantee all its citizens equality before law and equal protection of law. Article 13 of the Convention is in compliance with the Constitution of India. At national level, India enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, (RPWDA) 2016, in order to fulfil its obligations under the CRPD Convention. This Act contains an exclusive sectionon ‘Access to Justice’ which seeks to create an enabling environment for full participation of Persons with Disabilities in the administration of justice.

Further, the inter-relationship between Article 13 of CRPD and Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) need to behighlighted by the panellists in their presentations. In our view, the imperative of Goal 16 is universal, that calls for good governance. Inclusivity, social progress and ability to realize human well-being are the prerequisites to ensure the full potential of Goal 16 and Article 13 of the Convention.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, the Government of India’s approach and policies aim to foster an inclusive society in which equal opportunities and access are provided for the growth and development of persons with disabilities.

I thank you.