Statement by India on Agenda 3: Clustered Interactive Dialogue
with the SR on migrants and the IE on international solidarity in the
41stSession of the Human Rights Council ( 24 June – 12 July 2019),
delivered by Mr. Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary,
Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 25th June 2019)
Statement
Thank you Mr. Vice President,
India thanks both the Special Rapporteurs for their presentations.
1.The report of the Special Rapporteur on migrants has highlighted causes of migration of women and children, challenges faced by them in countries of origin, transit and host countries while enumerating several good practices adopted in various countries for promoting their rights. It further highlights the potential that Migration of women has on Gross Domestic Product, Productivity and Employment which in turn enhances women’s autonomy, self-esteem and social standing.
2.Migration is predominantly a positive phenomenon which powers the global economic engine. It helps in reducing inequities, connecting societies as well as bridging demographic and human resource gaps. India accords top priority to ensuring a safe, orderly, legal and humane migration process. This process should promote safety, dignity and rights of all migrants including women and children throughout the migration cycle and make migration a choice.
3.We note discrimination, as highlighted in the report, faced by migrant women and children in employment, lack of access to basic amenities, exploitative practices etc. India is considered as a country of origin, destination as well as a transit for migrant workers. Therefore, our national institutional framework for migrants welfare and protection is upgraded in accordance to the emerging challenges in migration process.
4.Some initiatives towards this goal are E-Migrate system to ensure accountability, transparency in recruitment system, skill development initiative such as Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana, online grievance redressal portal (MADAD); the pre-departure orientation pilot program; the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) for emergencies; the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) for insurance cover and 24X7 help lines for migrants.
I thank you, Mr. Vice President.
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