General comments by India on the adoption of the resolution on ‘human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment: Ocean and Human Rights’ and the resolution on the impact of anti-personnel mines on human rights at the 58th session of Human Rights Council (24 February – 4 April 2025) delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 4 April 2025
Mr. President
1. We thank the core group for the constructive engagement during informal consultations on the resolution on Ocean and Human Rights. India remains deeply committed to protecting human rights, including in the context of the environment.
2. This resolution highlights ocean conservation and human rights, areas where India has made significant progress. Our national initiatives, such as the National Coastal Mission Scheme and Deep Ocean Mission, integrate climate resilience, conservation, and economic sustainability with an approach anchored in strong legal frameworks and the deployment of advanced technologies.
Mr. President
3. We reiterate that neither HRC nor UNGA resolutions create legally binding obligations. Terms like 'clean,' 'healthy,' and 'sustainable' remain open to subjective interpretation. India had abstained on HRC resolution 48/13 that recognized this right. While we had voted in favour of UNGA resolution 76/300, we dissociated from its OP1 that recognized it. We had expressed our concerns both in terms of procedure and substance. We also dissociated from concerned paras of HRC resolutions 52/23 and 55/2 that had references to States' obligations in the context of this right, without acknowledging the fact that the right is yet to be negotiated intergovernmentally between States.
4. Similarly, we support the consensus on the present text but dissociate from paragraphs referring to the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
Mr. President
5. As regards the resolution on the impact of anti-personnel mines on human rights, we thank the core group for its constructive approach and engagement during the informal consultations. We remain committed to the eventual elimination of anti-personnel landmines and support a world free of their threat.
6. India believes that Additional Protocol II to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons strikes a balance between humanitarian concerns and the legitimate defense needs of states, particularly those with long borders. We have fulfilled our obligations, including non-production of non-detectable mines and ensuring that our anti-personnel mines are detectable, along with observing a complete moratorium on the export and transfer of landmines.
7. Addressing civilian casualties is a priority for India. We focus on public awareness, rehabilitation, financial compensation, and providing health and employment assistance to mine victims. Our ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities underscores our commitment to victim assistance.
8. India is a leading contributor to UN peace-keeping operations and has extended assistance to international demining and rehabilitation efforts. India for Humanity initiative, launched as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi, has already conducted 30 limb fitment camps with over 15,000 artificial limbs fitted in last few years in various countries. The prosthetic limb, popularly known as Jaipur Foot, has gained recognition worldwide for its efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness.
9. Finally, we reiterate that matters related to international humanitarian law and disarmament should be discussed in the appropriate forums. Discussions on topics that fall outside the council's mandate may divert attention from the core human rights issues.
Thank you.
