Statement by India under Agenda Item: 3 Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation at the 45^th Session of the Human Rights Council (14 September – 6 October 2020), delivered by Mr. Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, [Geneva, 16 September 2020]

Mr. Vice President,

1. We thank the Special Rapporteur for presentation of the annual report on the important issue of water and sanitation. In this regard,we also take note of his emphasis on progressive realization of human rights, using the maximum available resources and fulfilling the minimum core obligations.

2. Government of India, under the leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi,believes in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas: Inclusive development for all and with the trust of all.

3. With the objective of citizen-centric governance we have accorded highest priority to ensuring access to water and sanitation for all citizens through two flagship programs, the Swachh Bharat Mission and the Jal Jeevan Mission. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, all States of India have already declared themselves open defecation free by 2nd October 2019 which implies that everyone in India has access to safe sanitation. A similar effort is underway under the Jal Jeevan Missionthat aims to provide a functional household tap connection to all households in India.

Mr. Vice President,

4. We agree with the SR that the fulfilment of the human rights to water and sanitation cannot be accomplished in a short time frame and is often dependent on the availability and use of resources. I would like to share thatlast year governmentof India undertookJal Shakti Abhiyan, a campaign for water conservation and water security.

5. India is committed to ensuring access to water and sanitation in all spheres of life beyond the household, particularly in public spaces, which is an essential element of the human rights to water and sanitation.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.