Statement by India in Session 2 of OHCHR’s Workshop on Promoting and Protecting Economic, Social and Cultural Rights within the context of addressing inequalities in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic (6-7 February 2023) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva (6 February 2023) Statement by India in Session 2 of OHCHR’s Workshop on Promoting and Protecting Economic, Social a..
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Statement by India in Session 2 of OHCHR’s Workshop on Promoting and Protecting Economic, Social and Cultural Rights within the context of addressing inequalities in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic (6-7 February 2023) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva (6 February 2023)

Statement by India in Session 2 of OHCHR’s Workshop on Promoting and Protecting Economic, Social and Cultural Rights within the context of addressing inequalities in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic (6-7 February 2023) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 6 February 2023

 

Madam Chair,

We welcome the organisation of this workshop and thank the panellists for their insightful remarks.

 

Madam Chair,

India has always been of the strong view that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated and that they must be treated on an equal footing.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to fore the importance of the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights on people’s lives. For what can be more essential than drinking water, education, food, housing, health or sanitation for an individual to lead a life of dignity. The realisation of these rights also contributes significantly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

Given the setbacks to the human rights agenda in recent times, it is imperative that due attention is now paid to economic, social and cultural rights, at par with civil and political rights, in the work of the Human Rights Council as well as of the Office of the High Commissioner.

It is the countries of the Global South that have borne the brunt of the socio-economic impact of the multiple crises that have struck the world. Greater international cooperation is the need of the hour to ensure we get back on track. The Council must prioritise technical assistance and capacity-building, in consultation with and with the consent of concerned States. We also strongly support the mainstreaming of the right to development within the UN system.

In India, we have witnessed exemplary countrywide performance pertaining to clean water and sanitation and affordable and clean energy.

 

Madam Chair,

We are fully committed to the promotion and protection of the human rights of our people and to contribute globally in a spirit of solidarity.

 

I thank you.