Statement by India at the Annual full-day discussion on the rights of the child, on the theme: “Rights of the child and inclusive social protection”, at the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council (26 February - 5 April 2024),
Geneva, 14 March 2024
Mr. President
We thank the panellists for their insightful remarks. We also note the recommendations on child rights-based approach to inclusive social protection in the High Commissioner’s report on the subject. Children are the bedrock of society and as rightly pointed out in the report, social protection remains far from the reality for too many children worldwide. Therefore, the importance of the discussion today cannot be overstated.
Mr. President
- India, as home to around a fifth of the world’s children, has a robust statutory and legal framework for protection of child rights, and has been taking substantial strides in ensuring that our policies and programmes across the board prioritize the rights and holistic development of children, as enshrined in our Constitution.
- While our National Commission for Protection of Child Rights works towards attaining these objectives, the Integrated Child Protection Scheme brings together multiple existing programmes for protection of children under one comprehensive umbrella, and integrates additional interventions for protecting children and preventing harm. Initiatives such as the campaign for education of the girl child, and programmes focusing on nutrition, education, health, and numerous other aspects are aimed at safeguarding the rights of children, especially those who are the most vulnerable.
- During our G20 Presidency last year, the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration emphasized elimination of child labour and the provision of safe and quality education from early childhood. We remain committed to protect and promote child rights and actively participate in international efforts to ensure that we leave no child behind.
Thank you.
