Statement by India during Annual Debate on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on the theme: “Support systems to ensure community inclusion of persons with disabilities, including as a means of building forward better after the COVID-19 pandemic”, at the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) Geneva, 13 March 2023 Statement by India during Annual Debate on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on the theme: “..
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Statement by India during Annual Debate on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on the theme: “Support systems to ensure community inclusion of persons with disabilities, including as a means of building forward better after the COVID-19 pandemic”, at the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) Geneva, 13 March 2023

Statement by India at the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council under Annual Debate on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on the theme: “Support systems to ensure community inclusion of persons with disabilities, including as a means of building forward better after the COVID-19 pandemic”, Geneva, 13 March 2023

 

Mr. President,

    We appreciate the convening of this Panel to address the development of care and support systems of persons with disabilities to achieve community inclusion and thank the Panelists for sharing their views.

2. While COVID-19 pandemic has created negative impacts on the entire population, persons with disabilities remained far more vulnerable due to their physical, sensory and cognitive limitations. Therefore, keeping in mind of their disability specific requirements, daily living activities, we have adopted necessary legislative and policy measures measures to ensure their protection and safety during and after the pandemic.

3. Government of India issued a Comprehensive Disability Inclusive Guidelines for protection and safety of persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical facilities and assistance to persons with disabilities.

4. As a party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, India firmly believes in taking measures to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities in line with the principles of respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy and independence of persons.

5. India’s National Trust Act enables and empowers persons with disabilities to live as independently as possible within and as close to the community to which they belong.

6. Under the Government’s Sahyogi Scheme, we had established Care Associate Cells (CACs) to provide training and create a skilled workforce of care associates to provide adequate and nurturing care for persons with disabilities and their families who require it. These Care Associates along with civil society organisations in India working in the field as caregivers ensure relevant support system and community inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Mr. President,

7. We remain steadfast in our commitment to enable persons with disabilities to enjoy their rights equally with others, in the context of post pandemic situation.

I thank you.

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