Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the 46th Session of the Human Rights Council (22 February – 23 March 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 03 March 2021)

Madam President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for his first report.

We take note of the main areas of work that he intends to address during the mandated period namely, the key existential threats that humanity faces including, climate change, COVID-19 pandemic, armed conflicts and extreme poverty.

We believe that inclusion of all people, including persons with disabilities, is key to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

India, as a party to the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities has made significant progress towards promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.

India’s national legislation, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, augments the rights and entitlements for persons with disabilities, protects them from discrimination, facilitates mainstreaming, access to care and treatment and also, strengthens enforcement mechanisms.

To promote an inclusive and sustainable approach we have launched an 'Accessible India Campaign' to create a 'barrier free environment' for Persons with Disabilities.  The objective is creation of Physical & Virtual  infrastructure truly accessible and inclusive for the persons with disabilities. Increasingly, our policies and programmes emphasize on training, awareness and capacity building, shelter, care giving and empowerment.

India remains firmly committed to work towards building an inclusive environment for the persons with disabilities.

Thank you Madam President.

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