Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Slavery, during the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council (9 September - 11 October 2024), delivered by Mr. Muhammed Shabeer K, Under Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 12 September 2024

Mr. Vice President,

  We have noted the report presented by the Special Rapporteur on issues affecting currently and formerly incarcerated people.

2.  Prison administration is an important element of the criminal justice system in India and we are guided by the vision of the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi who once said that, “crime is the outcome of a diseased mind and jail must have an environment of hospital for treatment and care”. Imprisonment should not be allowed to aggravate the suffering already inherent in the process of incarceration.

3.  Prison laws and manuals India establish the legal and procedural framework for protection of rights of prisoners, ensuring that prison conditions are not degrading or detrimental to prisoners' health.

4.  Prison authorities in India facilitate prisoners to acquire or upgrade their skills by providing vocational training and contribute to their rehabilitation through economic reintegration. A large number of these vocational training programmes are carried out by the government through active participation of Civil Society Organizations and local communities.

5.  In conclusion, Mr. Vice President, the Government of India is putting consistent efforts to protect the rights and dignity of prisoners, by ensuring that the condition of prisons and prisoners aligns with applicable legal and human rights standards.

I thank you.