Statement by India under Agenda Item 3, Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children, at the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council (24 February – 4 April 2024), delivered by Ms. Anupama Singh, First Secretary, PMI Geneva
Geneva, 14 March 2025
Madam Vice President,
We thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting the study on sexual exploitation and abuse of children in peacekeeping and humanitarian settings, and note its findings.
- 2. As a country which is one the largest contributor of troops to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, we are deeply disturbed by this phenomenon.
- 3.We in India, have a policy of zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse. Our approach is firm, with no hesitation or reluctance—anything less would be immoral. Such incidents are particularly troubling considering the trust placed in the blue helmets.
- 4. Towards this, India has adhered to the vetting guidelines of the Conduct and Discipline Unit (CDU), ensuring that any military, police and civilian officer convicted of any misconduct, not just limited to sexual exploitation and abuse, is not deployed in peacekeeping missions.
- 5. Pre-deployment training on prevention of misconduct and sexual exploitation and abuse, is also mandatory for our peacekeeping troops.
- 6. India has also contributed to the UN’s efforts to prosecute Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Offenders from Troop Contributing Countries, and was the first contributor to UN Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
Madam Vice President
- 7. While we will continue to support the effort to implement UN Zero Tolerance policy, India also remains committed to ending abuse throughout the entire peacekeeping operation.
I thank you.
