Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development at the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council, (9 September-11 October 2024) delivered by Mr. Gaurav Kumar Thakur, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 18 September 2024
Mr. President,
Indian delegation takes note with appreciation the Report of the Special Rapporteur which focuses on the right to development of children and future generations.
Mr. President,
2. With the motto to "leave no child behind", India's child rights approach is reflected in its continuous efforts to strengthen the systemic framework for the protection and promotion of children's rights. This includes the development and effective implementation of progressive legislations and policies such as the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, the Commissions for the Protection of Child Rights Act, and the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.
3. Further, the National Plan of Action for Children (NAPC) was developed and launched in 2017, outlining four key priority areas: survival, health, and nutrition; education and development; protection; and participation. To implement the NAPC, the Revised Child Protection Services Scheme was formulated and implemented, which has now been subsumed under Mission Vatsalya - a roadmap to achieve child development and protection priorities aligned with the SDGs.
Mr. President,
4. India remains committed to the implementation of the Right to Development and will continue to support the activities of the Special Rapporteur.
I thank you.
