Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights at the 52nd Session of Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) delivered by Ms. Jagpreet Kaur, Under Secretary, Geneva, 15 March 2023
Madame Vice-President,
We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report and take note of the recommendations therein.
Promotion and protection of cultural rights is fundamental for democracy and inclusive development.
The phenomenon of migration, both to and from India, is millennia old. Throughout history, India has welcomed people from different religions, ethnicities, languages and cultures with open arms. They have maintained, developed and enriched their traditions with many Indian additions to their unique heritage. In today’s time, mobility has further increased based on the global demand for talent, skills, products, and services. We have a vibrant 32 million strong Indian diaspora around the world.
Madame Vice-President,
The framers of the Constitution of India had the objective of securing civic, political, economic, social and cultural rights as essential ingredients of citizenship.
Our Constitution guarantees protection against discrimination on the basis of religion, race, caste or language. It allows religious, cultural and linguistic minorities to establish and administer their own educational institutions enabling them to promote their cultures and languages. It prohibits government from denying minority educations institutions state funds or aid. In other words, it ensures non-discrimination and equal protection of groups in the field of education.
Madame Vice-President,
We strive to create a better global workplace, a more secure traveling experience and a non-discriminatory treatment for Indian migrant workers. To that end, we fully support greater Inter-State Social Security Agreements to ensure gaps in their social security coverage are addressed.
I thank you.
