Statement by India under Annual Discussions on the rights of the Child on the “Theme: The rights of the child and family reunification”at the 49th Session of the Human Rights Council (28 February – 01 April 2022),
Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 09 March 2022)
Mr. President,
At the outset, India would like to thank the panelists for their insightful presentations. The theme of this meeting is timely and pertinent.
Mr. President,
- India is home to around 20% of the world’s child population. The Government has been pursuing its agenda of inclusive development, keeping in mind the best interests of the children with strong support and partnership with state governments and other relevant organisations. India has laid down child rights as a lead indicator of national development at all levels of governance. India is a party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocols on the involvement of children in armed conflict and the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.
Mr. President,
- India has taken steps to recognise the need for effective measures to protect and safeguard the interests and rights of families, especially the need for children to reunite with the family. The National Plan of Action for Children, 2016 and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 recognize the need for care and protection of children, who are separated from parents. The Juvenile Justice Model Rules, 2016, under the principle of repatriation and restoration, recognise the right of every child in conflict with law to be re-united with his/her family, and restored back to the same socio-economic and cultural status as before. The Ministry of Women and Child Development implements Child Protection Services Scheme which aims at reduction of vulnerabilities to situation and actions, that lead to abuse, neglect, exploitation, abandonment and separation of children from parents.
Mr. President,
- India remains committed to fulfilment of the basic human rights of children with family reunification and looks forward to the discussions in this meeting.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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