Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the SR on the Right to Development, during the 51st Session of Human Rights Council (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 15th September 2022) Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the SR on the Right to Development..

Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the SR on the Right to Development, during the 51st Session of Human Rights Council (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 15th September 2022)

Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the SR on the Right to Development, during the 51st Session of Human Rights Council (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India

 (Geneva, 15th September 2022)

Mr. President,

India would like to thank the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development for his detailed report. We take note of the recommendations in the report on integrating the right to development perspective into COVID-19 national recovery plans and policies.

  1. India has introduced an array of initiatives and focused interventions to mitigate the impact of Covid pandemic with a view to protect lives and livelihoods of our people.
  2. India launched a comprehensive economic package under “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” or Self-reliant India to combat the impact of the pandemic and to revive socio-economic growth. A financial package of USD 366 billion – amounting to more than 13 per cent of India’s GDP – was deployed to create employment opportunities for workers of the unorganised sector, strengthening the MSME Sector and for promoting the rural economy.
  3. We have ensured free vaccination for our population-with over 2.15 billion doses having been administered till date, reaching all parts of the country, including the remotest regions and people living in situations of vulnerability.
  4. The enormous power of digital and information technology has been a key component of India’s response to Covid. Utilizing our strength in the digital space, we have utilized indigenously developed Co-WIN App, to organize administration of over 2 billion doses of vaccine.
  5. Under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, India has supplied over 235 million total supplies of COVID-19 vaccines to 99 countries of the world and two UN entities.
  6. 7. In view of the setbacks caused by Covid Pandemic, we believe that it is important to refocus on the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, Paris Agreement and financing for development framework, which remain fundamental to recovery.
  7. 8. India remains committed to the implementation of the Right to Development and will continue to support the activities of the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development.

I thank you.