Statement by India under Panel discussion on the Tenth Anniversary of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, during the 47th Session of Human Rights Council (21 June – 15 July 2021) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 29 June 2021)

Madam President,

India appreciate convening of this Panel and the insights shared by the Panelists.

2. The Tenth Anniversary of endorsement of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), marks an important occasion to assess the progress and explore opportunities to increase the pace of its implementation, in future.

3. The obligation of protecting and respecting human rights in the business context has assumed a greater significance during Covid-19 pandemic. India recognizes that businesses should at all times contribute to social, cultural and economic progress of the country and prevent adverse impacts in these spheres.

4. To ensure corporate social responsibility, we have incorporated it in our domestic laws in 2013 and have put in place the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct and mandatory non-financial reporting by certain companies. In line with implementing the UNGPs, we are in the process of finalizing our National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

5. We believe that a coherent remedy framework is the key to ensuring compliance with States’ and businesses’ obligations to protect and respect human rights in the business context. It is felt that remedies should be accessible to the victims without any legal, practical or procedural barriers. The grievance mechanisms should be predictable and transparent to assure fair and speedy redressal.

6. My delegation would like to seek from the panelists on what specific steps ought to be taken to implement the UNGPs by States and other non-State actors, in particular during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I thank you, Madam President.

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