Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment at the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) delivered by Ms. Jagpreet Kaur, Under Secretary, Geneva, 9 March 2023 Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the issue o..
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Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment at the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) delivered by Ms. Jagpreet Kaur, Under Secretary, Geneva, 9 March 2023

Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment at the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) delivered by Ms. Jagpreet Kaur, Under Secretary, Geneva, 9 March 2023

Mr. President,

We take note of the Special Rapporteur’s report and its recommendations.

We recognise the disproportionate impact of the lack of a clean, healthy and sustainable environment on vulnerable persons, including women and girls.

Gender based discrimination is a cross-cutting issue with wide ranging ramifications across the life-cycle of women and girls. The Government of India is fully committed to the realization of gender equality with women-led development being a key priority. Various schematic interventions for their social, economic and political uplifting are transforming lives in India.

Under the Clean India initiative, more than 117 million household toilets have been constructed. The provision of access to sanitation has led to a remarkable improvement in the health, mobility and safety of women especially in rural areas. Women are actively involved in the planning, decision-making and implementation under the ambitious ‘Water is Life’ Mission that aims at ensuring supply of potable water to every rural household by 2024. Over 80 million households have been provided tap water connection since its launch in 2019. This has led to substantial reduction in time spent by women in fetching water. Nearly 96 million connections for clean cooking fuel have been provided to poor households with the aim to specially safeguard the health of women and children.

India has also worked with partners for global initiatives for environmental protection including the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and Leadership Group for Industry Transition.

We request the Special Rapporteur to share what more can be done for furthering equity while promoting international cooperation in this regard.

I thank you.