Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the SR on violence against Women and Girls during the 56th Session of Human Rights Council (18 June – 12 July 2024) delivered by Ms. Suman Sonkar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India to UN, Geneva, 21 June 2024
Mr.President,
1. We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report on “Prostitution and violence against women and girls” and take note of its conclusions and recommendations.
2. The legislative provisions in India are aligned to our commitments under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which recognizes that unemployment and poverty can drive many women into prostitution and that these women are "particularly vulnerable to violence because of their status, which may be unlawful, tends to marginalize them."
- 3. Recognising the harmful impacts of prostitution, including the obstacles it poses to “the dignity and worth of the human person”, India’s schematic interventions are focused on rescue, rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration, for which our Ministry of Women and Child Development implements the Ujjawala Scheme. The protective and rehabilitative homes provide food, clothing, medical care, education for rescued children, legal aid, and vocational training for alternate livelihood options. The Government is also working with NGOs and community-based organisations to empower vulnerable communities through awareness programmes.
Mr. President,
4. We request the Special Rapporteur to elaborate on meaningful steps which could be taken to facilitate re-acceptance of victims by their families, and gradual re-entry into the life of their communities.
I thank you.
