Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with “Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” at the 49th Session of the Human Rights Council (28 February – 01 April 2022) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 14 March 2022) Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with “Special Rapporteur on the Righ..
  • Home > 49th Session of the Human Rights Council (28 February – 01 April 2022) > Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with “Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” at the 49th Session of the Human Rights Council (28 February – 01 April 2022) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 14 March 2022)

Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with “Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” at the 49th Session of the Human Rights Council (28 February – 01 April 2022) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 14 March 2022)

Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with “Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” at the 49th Session of the Human Rights Council (28 February – 01 April 2022) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India

(Geneva, 14 March 2022)

Mr. Vice-President,

     We thank the Special Rapporteur for his Report on artificial intelligence and the rights of persons with disabilities. 

Mr. Vice-President,

2.  India recognizes the value of deploying science and technology to improve lives of peoples. We believe that technology can play a key role in breaking the physical, educational and financial barriers faced by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) enabling their social and economic growth.

3.  In India, Persons with Disabilities number around 26.8 million. Recognising the multitude of vulnerabilities that PwDs are exposed to, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, has laid emphasis on non-discrimination, full and effective participation and inclusion in society, respect for difference and acceptance of disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity.

Mr. Vice-President,

4.  Government of India’s Digital India Initiative envisages providing digital infrastructure as a core utility to every citizen leading to their empowerment.

5.  India’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, 2018 focuses on how AI may be used not only for economic growth but also for social inclusion - AI for All approach. In order to create a policy framework for AI, the Government has constituted four committees covering all aspects of AI including a Committee on cybersecurity, safety, legal and ethical issues.

6.  India remains firmly committed and will continue to work towards building an inclusive environment for the persons with disabilities.

     I thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

*****