Statement by India during Panel Discussion on the Role of the Family in supporting human rights of its members, at the 57th Session of Human Rights Council (09 September-11 October 2024) Permanent Mission of India, Geneva

Mr. President

The family has been a foundational institution of society, particularly in India. ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam’, i.e. the world is one family, has been the guiding light for India’s pluralistic ethos and socio-cultural fabric. The ICCPR also recognizes family as the natural and fundamental unit of society entitled for protection by the State.

2. In India, we lay emphasis on integrity, loyalty, and unity, when it comes to family. Indian family system is also known to inculcate respect for rules, burden sharing, dignity in hard work and the importance of providing education to the future generations for their upward socio-economic mobility. The family system develops a sense of responsibility and tolerance for differing views from an early age. In case of disagreements, matters are wisely sorted out by consultative and democratic processes, rather than taking recourse to bitter unilateral decisions.

3. Indian diaspora across the world are considered as model migrants who integrate well into the culture of their new countries, and are model tax payers and law abiding citizens. This can largely be attributed to the importance attached to family values in the Indian society.

Mr. President

4. With the increased use of technology in everyday life, could the esteemed Panel elaborate on what role could the State and society play to ensure that the family connections remain relevant and are not lost in the era of increasing interactions in the virtual world.

I thank you.