Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes at the         51st Session of Human Rights Council (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva (20 September 2022)

Mr. President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report and take note of its conclusions and recommendations.

India ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury with the flexibility for continued use of mercury-based products and processes involving mercury compound up to 2025.

We are implementing it in the context of achieving sustainable development with the objective to protect human health and environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds and with a view to protecting the most vulnerable from the harmful effects of mercury as well as protecting the developmental space of developing countries.

Indian enterprises are being urged to move to mercury-free alternatives in products and non-mercury technologies in manufacturing processes.

India has ratified the two core Conventions of International Labour Organization, number 138 pertaining to the admission of age to employment and number 182 regarding the worst forms of child labour, and is fully committed to a child labour free society. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Prevention) Amendment Act of 2016 provides for complete prohibition on employment of children below 14 years in all occupations and processes and prohibits employment of adolescents in hazardous occupations and processes, including mining, in the country.

The Government of India has framed rules for conservation and systematic development of minerals in India and for the protection of the environment by preventing or controlling any pollution which may be caused by prospecting or mining operations.

I thank you.