General comments by India during consideration of the Resolution on “Realization of the equal enjoyment of the right to education by every girl” 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,

 We thank the core group for its leadership, constructive engagement and flexibility that it has shown to revise the text to address Member States’ concerns, including our own.

 2.  The focus of the resolution before us is on the adverse impact of climate change on the enjoyment of the right to education of girls and the role that the realization of the right to education for girls can play in addressing climate change. 

 3.  India recognizes the significance of ensuring access to inclusive and equitable quality education, especially for girls, as an enabling right that has a multiplier effect for the enjoyment of other human rights as well as the achievement of SDGs. The Government of India attaches high priority to leaving no child behind in terms of educational opportunities on account of their gender or socio-cultural identities.

 4.  We are also deeply cognizant of the existential challenge of climate change. We strongly believe that we need concerted global climate action as well as the provision of climate finance and transfer of technology. 

 5.  While conscious of the impact of climate change on enjoyment of human rights, it has been our consistent position that the UNFCCC is the only appropriate multilateral forum for addressing climate change, with a near-universal membership. Issues pertaining to and arising from climate change are a global responsibility. The principles of Equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities are the cornerstone of the discourse within the Convention’s framework. For these reasons, in previous sessions, we have not supported attempts to bring matters related to climate change, including climate action, to the Human Rights Council, which has a limited membership.

 6.  It is extremely important for us that any Council resolution that seeks to raise matters related to climate change and prescribes action on part of Member States to deal with climate change must include the commitment of Member States to the fundamental principles of equity and CBDR-RC as well as UNFCCC. We appreciate that the resolution under consideration has accepted the proposal made by us, supported by a number of fellow developing countries to do so. Therefore, we will join consensus.

I thank you.