Statement by India in the Annual High-Level Panel Discussion on Human Rights Mainstreaming, during 46th Session of the Human Rights Council
(22 February to 23 March 2021) delivered by
Mr. Puneet Agrawal, Ambassador & Deputy Permanent Representative of India
[22 February 2021, Geneva]
Madam President,
We appreciate convening of this Panel and views shared by the eminent Panelists.
India has always been in the forefront of the international fight against racism and racial discrimination. India regards racism and racial discrimination as the anti-thesis of everything humanity stands for - equality, justice, peace and progress.
The Constitution of India proscribes discrimination on any ground, including race.
Madam President,
The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) gave us a comprehensive, action-oriented document with concrete proposals and measures to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
On the 20th anniversary of DDPA, regrettably, the challenge continues to persist. Racial inequalities are widely evident in socio-economic indicators and patterns. These have been particularly exacerbated by COVID-19 pandemic.
Madam President,
Equity in access to vaccine is important for mitigating the impact of pandemic on the marginalized people. India, guided by the spirit of the welfare of entire humanity, has provided critical medicines, diagnostic kits, ventilators and PPEs to more than 150 countries, about 80 of them on a grant basis.
Under our initiative Vaccine Maitri, which translates into Vaccine Friendship, India is providing vaccines to the world. Starting with our immediate neighbours, 25 nations across the world have already received Made in India vaccines.
Madam President,
While we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the effective implementation of DDPA, we would like the Panel to outline on the specific concrete measures to be taken by the member States within the framework of DDPA, to eliminate racism and racial discrimination, especially in the context of COVID-19 pandemic.
Thank you, Madam President.
****
