Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, at the 48th Session of Human Rights Council (13 September – 08 October 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 20 September 2021) Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjo..
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Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, at the 48th Session of Human Rights Council (13 September – 08 October 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 20 September 2021)

Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, at  the 48th Session of Human Rights Council (13 September – 08 October 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 20 September 2021)

Madam President,

We take note of the Independent Expert’s report including her recommendations for addressing ageism and age discrimination.

The COVID-19 pandemic, with its disproportionate impact on the human rights of older persons around the world, has brought this important thematic issue into focus. We agree with the Expert’s observation that ageism lacks a clear definition in the international, regional and national legal framework.

Madam President,

Different Ministries and Departments of the Government of India are implementing different welfare schemes for older persons. The National Policy for Older Persons was formulated in 1999 with the goal of ensuring the well-being of older persons. Of the 14 principal areas of intervention under the policy, a significant one is ‘health care and nutrition’. In line with our international and national commitments, the National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly was launched in 2010-11. The thrust of the programme is to provide dedicated health care facilities to senior citizens at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

Only last month, the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India released the ‘Quality of Life for Elderly Index’. The report sheds light on the problems faced by older persons in India and broadens the way we understand their needs. It identifies regional patterns of ageing across Indian States and Union Territories. The index framework includes four main pillars - financial well-being, social well-being, health system and income security. The index will promote healthy competition among States and Union Territories and would help them identify the areas where they need to improve in order to provide a better quality of life to the older persons.

Madam President,

The Government of India is committed to ensuring ‘active and healthy ageing’ and the welfare of our older persons.

I thankyou.