Statement by India at the 35^th Session of Human Rights Council (06-23 June 2017) on Agenda Item 3: Cluster Interactive Dialogue with SR on migrants. [Geneva, 08 June 2017]

Mr. President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report on the human rights of migrants on a 2035 agenda for facilitating human mobility and for his extensive presentation.

2. We appreciate the proposal of the SR to have national consultations that would facilitate better understanding and adaptation to each goal, target and indicator, as per national contexts. We also take note of the observation made by SR that the global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration offers States to develop clear, long-term and evidence-based migration policies for the protection of human rights of all migrants.

3. While appreciating the International Dialogue on migration held in New York in April, 2017, we look forward to contribute during the deliberations in the second workshop to be held in July, 2017 in Geneva that will explore protection of and assistance for migrants in vulnerable situations from a policy, cooperation and practical perspective. 

Mr. President,

4. SR in his report envisions an agenda that building on target 10.7, outlines how human mobility can be facilitated effectively and underlines the importance of taking a long-term strategic approach. In this regard, we believe that migration is the pillar for sustainable development and we support the GFMD initiative to develop a Global Compact on Migration.

5. Human mobility has shaped our world. India continues to host several communities that came over the years. India’s experience suggests that over the long term migration fuels economic growth and migrants make a net positive contribution to the economies and societies in which they live and work. Nevertheless, India supports fairer and transparent approach to labour migration governance which aims to create migrant-centred policies and recognizes the movement of labour from the perspective of global supply and demand.

6. In conclusion, we reiterate that migration is primarily due to economic reasons. We recognise that the commitment to ‘leaving no one behind’ in Agenda 2030 is only possible if migration works; and the human rights and fundamental freedom of migrants are protected. Before I conclude, I would like SR to share the basis of developing the 8 human mobility goals and how the targets and indicators were identified for a future 2035 Agenda.

Thank you, Mr. President.