Statement by India under Session titled “High-Level Round Table: Governments taking Action on Business and Human Rights” during Eleventh United Nations forum on Business and Human Rights (28 November – 30 December 2022), Geneva Statement by India under Session titled “High-Level Round Table: Governments taking Action on Busi..
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Statement by India under Session titled “High-Level Round Table: Governments taking Action on Business and Human Rights” during Eleventh United Nations forum on Business and Human Rights (28 November – 30 December 2022), Geneva

Permanent Mission of India
Geneva
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Statement by India under Session titled “High-Level Round Table: Governments taking Action on Business and Human Rights” during Eleventh United Nations forum on Business and Human Rights (28 November – 30 December 2022), Geneva

(delivered on 29 November 2022)

   Madam Chair, we thank all the Panelists for their insightful presentations and pleased to participate at United Nations Forum on Business & Human Rights.

2. At national level, we have made strides towards recognising and promoting socially responsible businesses. India has been a pioneer in statutorily recognising the responsibility of certain categories of companies to contribute to social development. The legal framework also sets out that the directors of a company have a duty not only towards shareholders, but also towards employees, customers, environment and the community at large. Another key feature of our company law is the Corporate Social Responsibility.

3. India values the work of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights towards the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).

4. We have formally recognised the UNGPs framework in the National Voluntary Guidelines on Social, Environment and Economic Responsibilities of Business in 2011. In order to align with the UNGPs and incorporate other developments in the field, we have updated the guidelines in 2018, which capture the vital UNGPs principles such as human rights due diligence with a view to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how businesses address adverse human rights impacts.

5. With a view to further reinforce India’s commitment, we have been working on a National Action Plan, in line with the UNGPs. It takes stock of key legislative and policy measures of the Government of India that is relevant for the implementation of UNGPs in India and sets out the proposed future course of action.

6. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that India stands committed to spreading awareness on the importance of sustainable and socially responsible business practices that respect and protect human rights and engage with all stakeholders at national and global level to realise this goal.

I thank you, Madam Chair.

 

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