Statement by India during the 25th Session of the International Governmental Working Group on the Right to Development (13-17 May 2024) delivered by Mr. K.S. Mohammed Hussain, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 14 May 2024

Item 4.2: Combined interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development and the Chair of the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development

Mr. Chair Rapporteur, 

1. The Right to Development remains extremely important for an overwhelming majority of the global population and is central to the realisation of all other human rights. Therefore, India has been a strong votary of the right to development and supportsinitiatives and processes towards operationalization and realization of the right to development both at the national and international level.In this context, we reaffirm our support for the mandate and work of the Special Rapporteur and the Expert Mechanism on the RTD. 

2.We believe that international cooperation is essential in operationalization and realization of the right to development. Reforming the global multilateral framework; and capacity building are key factors in realising the RTD. 

3. On its part, India has been steadfastly committed to taking all possible steps to ensure the fullest enjoyment of human rights by our people, including inclusive and sustainable development. Globally, we have contributed to promotion and protection of human rights through technical assistance, capacity building and our developmental partnerships. 

Mr. Chair Rapporteur, 

4. India supports the importance of adopting a holistic approach to the right to development as mentioned in the 1986 Declaration on the Right to Development.  

5. We are looking forward to the negotiation and early conclusion of the International Convention  on the Right to Development through a collaborative process of engagement in New York. 

Thank you.