General comments by India during consideration of the Resolution on “The Right to Development” at the 54th Session of Human Rights Council (11 September - 13 October 2023) delivered by Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Permanent Representative of India, Geneva, 12 October 2023

Mr. President,

 The Right to Development remains a critically important right for the people globally.  It is central to the goal of realisation of all other human rights. Therefore, full and effective implementation of the right to development both at the national and international level has become essential and a key to realization of SDGs. India has been committed to implementing the Right to Development both domestically through realization of SDGs as well as internationally through India’s developmental partnership with the countries of Global South. 

 2.  India believes in constructive engagement and cooperation amongst all stakeholders for pursuing the goal of the realization of the Right to Development.  We believe that the draft resolution before the Council takes an important step towards fulfilment of this objective by proposing to submit to the UN General Assembly a draft of international covenant on the right to development, as annexed to the resolution, for its consideration, negotiation, and subsequent adoption.  

 3.  We reiterate our support to the early conclusion of the Covenant on the right to development through a collaborative process of engagement with all countries both developing as well as developed. Accordingly, we support the resolution and request all member States to support it.  I also thank the delegation of Azerbaijan for its leadership. 

I thank you.