Statement by India at the 38th Session of the Human Rights Council (18 June to 06 July, 2018) on Agenda Item 3 : Clustered ID with WG on discrimination against women in law and practice and SR on trafficking, delivered by Dr. Arun Kumar Yumnam, Deputy Secretary. [20 June 2018, Geneva]
Mr. President,
India thanks the Working Group on discrimination against women and the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons. Our statement is restricted to the report on discrimination against women.
2. We are of the view that priority should be given to establishing, strengthening and investing in institutions for advancing the rights of women and gender equality. Empowerment of women has been top priority for India for inclusive and equitable development of India. For this, it is essential that equal representation of women in decision making and leadership positions is ensured.
3. To promote socio-economic empowerment, a dedicated Portal has been set up for easy access to about 350 government schemes and initiatives for women. It’s mandatory for every company incorporated in India to have at least one woman on the Board of Directors. Under laws enacted, child marriage is prohibited and giving a child into marriage is considered as cruelty. Special scheme on for girl child education is being implemented.
4. For elimination of violence against women and girls, numerous policies, laws, and programs have been put in place. These include effective prevention of sexual harassment of women at workplace, National Policy for Women, establishment of all women police force, registration of online crimes against women etc.
5. We could not agree more with the SR that we can’t wait any longer to eliminate discrimination against women.
Thank you, President.
