Statement by India at the 39^th Session of the Human Rights Council (September 10 to 28, 2018) on Agenda Item 3: Clustered Interactive Dialogue with the SR on the Right to Development delivered by Shri Animesh Choudhury, First Secretary [Geneva, 12^th September 2018]

Thank You Mr. President,

India would like to first place on record its appreciation of the report of the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development for his efforts to put together a detailed and comprehensive report.

2. Right to Development, remains extremely important for an overwhelming majority of the global population. Regrettably, even after more than 30 years of the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Right to Development, and after 19 sessions of the Working Group on the subject, the right to development still remains a distant reality.

3. India is of the firm view that there is a lack of understanding and efforts on the part of certain sections of the global community on the true essence of the right to development. We would like to reiterate that right to development is not a request for charity but a well-founded desire for an international order that does not hamper the process of development. 

Mr. Chair,

4. The Right to Development can provide a balanced, comprehensive and enabling framework to strengthen the global partnership to achieve the SDGs in a sustainable manner while promoting all human rights for all. We do agree that the process of development needs to be nationally owned and driven by national needs and priorities. However, what it needs to be complemented by is equitable economic relations and a favourable economic environment at the international level. It is high time that we recognise the Right to Development as a primary enabling right that provides a normative basis for the realisation of all other rights.

5. India appreciates the series of regional consultations being held by the SR on the implementation of the right to development. We also take note of the conclusions in the report which emphasises on collection of disaggregated data for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development policies and programmes.

Mr. President,

6. India reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of the Right to Development and has contributed USD 25000 exclusively to support the activities of the SR on the Right to Development. We look forward to engaging in constructive and forward looking discussions on the subject.

Thank you.