Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development at the 51st Session of Human Rights Council (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva (16 September 2022) Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the Right..

Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development at the 51st Session of Human Rights Council (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva (16 September 2022)

Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development at the 51st Session of Human Rights Council (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva (16 September 2022)

Mr. Vice-President,

India would like to thank the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development for presenting its report.

  1. My delegation appreciates the Expert Mechanism for its thematic study on racism, racial discrimination and the right to development. Racism and racial discrimination are the most pervasive acts that often lead to serious violations of human rights. It is regrettable that the international community is currently witnessing intensified forms of racial inequality. The Constitution of India expressly prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race.
  2. As regards the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on racism and racial discrimination, highlighted in the report, we believe that realisation of the Agenda 2030 - Sustainable Development Goals is essential to achieve ‘a world of universal respect based on equality and non-discrimination’.
  3. To foster inclusive development and guarantee the respect for human rights in situations of growing mistrust and hatred climate, the framework of Durban Declaration and Programme of Action needs to be implemented in true letter and spirit.
  4. We reiterate our firm support to regular interaction among the Expert Mechanism, the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development and the Working Group on the Right to Development in order to achieve synergy in their work.
  5. We reiterate our support for full and effective realisation of the Right to Development and request the Office of the High Commissioner to extend all possible support and resources to the Expert Mechanism to conduct its work.

I thank you.