Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: ID with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants at the 47^th Session of Human Rights Council (21 June – 15 July 2021), delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, [Geneva, 23^rd June, 2021]

Madam President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of his report.

2. India accords top priority to ensuring safe, orderly, legal and humane migration. We believe that migration is a voluntary process by which an individual chooses to move out of his/ her country to seek economic opportunities, subject to the rules and regulations of the destination countries. It helps in reducing inequities, connecting societies as well as bridging demographic and human resource gaps bringing benefits to both the country of destination as well as that of origin by making positive socio-economic contribution. It is important to highlight this developmental dimension of migration. 

3. It is equally important to address the root causes of irregular migration. It is important that external developmental assistance facilitates necessary institutional capacities and focusses on building productive infrastructure to ensure balanced development and provide sufficient employment opportunities in countries of origin. It is also important that developed countries create sufficient avenues for legal migration.

4. There are also issues of mixed migration which many regions are facing globally. It is important to acknowledge that this may have negative consequences -socio-economic, political as well as security related. It is also important to realize that migration and refugee related issues have different international legal framework and need different approaches.

5. There are 18 million Indians who live and work outside India. The Government of India has taken several initiatives to facilitate regular migration including pre-departure orientation training, creating MADAD portal to help migrant workers in distress and other measures such as E-migrate to make the emigration process faster and transparent.

Madam President,

6. In conclusion, we believe that our approach to migration should be one which is predicated on development. Eradication of poverty, enabling a life of dignity to all, ensuring economic opportunities for a better future and achieving sustainable development are the bedrocks which should underpin our response.

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