Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises, during the 50th Session of Human Rights Council (13 June – 8 July 2022) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary

(Geneva, 23 June 2022)

Mr.President,

India thanks the Working Group on the presentation of the reports.

  2. The pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated existing inequalities and resulted in human rights crisis of immense proportions. In this regard, we recognise that the obligation of protecting and respecting human rights in the business context has assumed greater significance.

  3. India’s endorsement of UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights reflects our commitment that businesses respect human rights.

  4. To mitigate the socio-economic hardships of the labourers and migrant workers, Government of India sent out directives, asking the employers not to terminate jobs of employees, particularly those of casual or contractual workers, or reduce their wages if the unit was non-operational due to Covid-19. Provisions of free grain and other essential items through public distribution system were provided to industrial workers, agricultural labourers and workers of other unorganised sectors.

  5. The companies were allowed to spend Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for various activities relating to Covid-19 relief measures. These measures helped in building social safety network utilizing the obligatory contribution of the corporate bodies.

  6. We would like to hear from the Working Group on what more measures can be suggested for the States to provide effective human rights protection and to ensure accountability of business entities during such health emergencies situation.

I thank you Mr. President.

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