Statement by India during the Interactive Dialogue in the 4th UPR of South Africa in the 41st Session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group (07-18 November 2022) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [Geneva, 16 November 2022] Statement by India during the Interactive Dialogue in the 4th UPR of South Africa in the 41st Sessio..

Statement by India during the Interactive Dialogue in the 4th UPR of South Africa in the 41st Session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group (07-18 November 2022) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [Geneva, 16 November 2022]

Statement by India during the Interactive Dialogue in the 4th UPR of South Africa in the 41st Session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group (07-18 November 2022) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [Geneva, 16 November 2022]

Mr. President,

We warmly welcome the presentation by the delegation of South Africa.

2.We commend South Africa’s efforts to promote and protect human rights since the last review in 2017 despite the serious challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We note with appreciation the enactment of the National Minimum Wage Act and the launch of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative. We also appreciate the adoption of the National Strategic Plans for HIV, TB and STIs as well as for addressing gender-based violence and femicide.

3.In the spirit of constructive cooperation, India recommends the following to South Africa:

  1. Continue to strengthen policy and legislative measures for promoting gender     equality and combatting gender-based violence, including by ensuring pay parity and prohibiting gender-based discrimination;

  2. Consider further measures aimed at poverty alleviation and reduction in unemployment; and,

  3. Continue with efforts to ensure promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, including children with disabilities.

4.We wish the delegation of South Africa all the success in its review.

Thank you, Mr. President.