Statement by India under Item 3 Interactive Dialogue with Independent Expert on
protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender
identity during the 56 th Session of the Human Rights Council (18 June – 12 July 2024),
delivered by Mr. Gaurav Kumar Thakur, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of India,

Geneva, 21 June 2024

Mr. Vice President,

1. We thank the Independent Expert for presenting his inaugural Report.

2. The Constitution of India does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and
gender identity. India has made significant steps in advancing rights of individuals
belonging to the LGBTI community in recent years, including the legal recognition of a ‘third
gender’, the right to self-perceived gender identity, and decriminalisation of same-sex
sexual activity.

3. We, therefore, note with appreciation that the report acknowledges and references historic
judgment from Indian courts, and accepts India as one of the countries without any legal
barriers on persons with LGBTI identity. We also value the work done by civil society in this
sector.

4. With reference to allegations of few civil society organisations regarding increased
regulations on external funding, we would like to inform the distinguished Independent
Expert that these allegations are misplaced. Since many decades, India has well-defined
regulations to guard against legitimate concerns about misuse of foreign funds. All
organisations including CSOs have to comply with these regulations in a transparent and
accountable manner.
Mr. Vice President

5. We remain committed to protecting the human rights of all persons without any
discrimination.

I thank you.