Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the context of Climate Change at the 56th Session of the Human Rights Council (18 June - 12 July 2024) delivered by Ms. Suman Sonkar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 2 July 2024

 Mr. President,

We take this opportunity to congratulate the Special Rapporteur on taking over this extremely important mandate and thank her for her report and recommendations.

2. The report aptly focuses on mitigation, adaptation, just transition, finance, and loss and damage, with specific focus on intersectionality. The Council and its mechanisms must continue to highlight the adverse impact of climate change on human rights while striking a balance and avoiding duplication of efforts underway under specialized mechanisms such as the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement. The core principles of Equity, Climate Justice, and Common But Differentiated Responsibility and Respective Capabilities must be kept in view while discussing strategies to address this key global challenge.

3. India has been at the forefront of supporting action-oriented steps at the global level in response to climate change. Having achieved a number of our NDC targets well ahead of time, we have revised our NDCs upwards, indicating our deep commitment towards enhanced climate action. India’s contribution to climate action has been significant, through its international efforts such as International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), creation of LeadIT, Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) and the Global Biofuel Alliance.

4. We would like to know what further steps can be taken to strengthen international efforts to protect and promote human rights in the context of Climate change.

Thank you.