General comments by India on consideration of the Resolution on ‘The human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation’ 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
(6 October, 2022)
Thank you, Mr. President.
At the outset, we thank the core group for their efforts and constructive engagement on this resolution.
We are of the view that this is a subject of great significance, especially for developing countries. The human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation are some of the most crucial of the economic, social and cultural rights. These are enabling rights that make the enjoyment of other rights possible, such as the right to highest attainable standard of health, the right to adequate food and the right to education. These rights are also of great relevance for realisation of gender equality.
The Government of India has accorded a high priority in recent years to the realisation of the rights to safe drinking water and sanitation for all Indians. Under a nationwide 'Clean India ' campaign, all villages, Districts, States and Union Territories have now become open-defecation free. It has also had a lasting impact on the safety and dignity of women. The ambitious ‘Water is Life’ Mission is being implemented to ensure the provision of potable water to every rural household by 2024, which will also have a positive impact on welfare of women.
Mr. President,
India fully supports the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation. We welcome the draft resolution and will join consensus on the same.
I thank you.
