Statement by India under Agenda Item 10: Annual thematic Panel on Technical Cooperation and capacity building (Theme: Technical cooperation to advance the right to education and ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all) during the 47th Session of Human Rights Council (21 June – 15 July 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 12 July 2021)

Madam President,

We welcome the panel discussion and panelists’ views on this important theme. The right to education is a multiplier and enabling right, enhancing the potential for enjoyment of other human rights and fundamental freedoms.

We believe that the Council should provide greater technical assistance and capacity building in consultation with, and with the consent of, the concerned States for improvement of human rights situation on the ground. It is important that priority is accorded to implementation of those UPR recommendations that the concerned State has accepted.

The COVID-19 pandemic has set us back in our efforts towards meeting our human rights commitments, including education. The technical cooperation provided by the Council, as we attempt to build back better, can play an important role in advancing the right to education.

Development cooperation, especially with countries of the Global South, has been a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy. Launched over 55 years ago, our Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme is a fully funded programme that has been offering technical assistance and capacity building to nearly 160 countries. Every year India provides training and capacity building courses to around 12,000 persons for around 300 short, medium and long-term training courses.

The courses are offered in a diverse range of subjects, from agriculture, management, English language to IT, Science & Technology and others. Apart from educational courses, the programme also provides for deputation of Indian experts abroad, grant projects, study tours and consultancy services. Through the recent e-ITEC initiative, training is being imparted in partner countries online in real time.

In line with our commitment to global promotion and protection of Human Rights, we recently made annual voluntary contribution of USD 400,000 to OHCHR’s Voluntary Funds, including for technical cooperation and assistance.

I thank you.