Statement by India under Annual Debate on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on the theme: “Participation in sport under article 30 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” in the 46th Session of the Human Rights Council (22 February – 23 March 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 05 March 2021)

Madam President,

We appreciate the convening of this Panel focusing on the rights of persons with disabilities to participate in sports and thank the Panelists for sharing their views.

As a party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, India firmly believes in taking measures to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities to participate in sports activities equally with others. This, in our view, would strengthen their participation and integration in society, with positive outcomes across health, education, employment and other spheres of life.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 enjoins on the Government of India to take measures to ensure effective participation of Persons with Disabilities in sports institutions, including the provision of infrastructure facilities for sports activities for them.

The National Policy for Persons with Disabilities commits to ensuring they have equal opportunities in sports, recreation and cultural activities.

Through our Accessible India Campaign, phase wise targets have been fixed for creation of barrier-free environment in built-in infrastructure, transportation system and Information and Communications Technology eco-system for persons with disabilities.

Government of India is establishing a world-class Centre for Disability Sports (in Gwalior) to provide specialised training facilities for them apart from collaborating with NGOs to identify talent among them in different sports, and also instituting the National Award for excellence in sports for them.

Madam President,

We remain steadfast in our commitment to work towards building an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities in the field of sports and related activities.

We would like to know the views of the panelists in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic as to how we can further promote the participation of persons with disabilities in sports activities, and enable them to enjoy their rights equally with others.

I thank you.

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