Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 32^nd Session (21 January – 01 February 2019) : 3rd UPR of Chile– Interactive Dialogue, delivered by Ambassador Rajiv Kumar Chander, Permanent Representative of India [Geneva, 22 January 2019]

Madam Vice President,

India welcomes the delegation of Chile for the presentation of its national report.

2. We appreciate the adoption by Chile of their National Action Plan for Children and Adolescents with a commitment to put an end to all forms of violence, sexual abuse, child labour, commercial exploitation of children and adolescents.

3. We take note of the national legislation on education that guarantees free primary and secondary education and ensures access to students with disabilities in all educational institutions.

4. We recognise the continued efforts of Chile in promoting equality, non-discrimination and safeguarding the rights of women to bring in gender parity. The National Plan of Action to curb violence against women is a welcome initiative in this direction.

5. The initiatives of Chile such as: the National Compact of Children, the Araucania Plan for the Mapuche People, the Adulto Mejor plan for older persons, and the Agenda for Women are noteworthy in advancing the Human Rights agenda.

6. We recommend Chile the following:

Adopt measures to further strengthen the public education system considering the needs of all sections of the society.

Pay specific attention to informal sectors of the country where a large number of women are aspiring for wage parity.

Improve living standards of the indigenous people who are still considered to be the poorest group in the country.

7. We wish the delegation of Chile all success.

I, thank you Madam Vice President.