Statement by India under Session focusing on “The Roadmap for Next Decade: Time for Government Action and Coherence” during Tenth United Nations forum on Business and Human Rights (29 November – 01 December 2021), delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 29 November 2021)

Mr. Chair, we thank all the participants for their useful insights in implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights as part of building up complementary efforts in the assessment of first decade of UNGPs. India is pleased to participate in this United Nations Forum on Business & Human Rights. This forum serves as a significant platform for deliberations amongst states, corporates, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders with a view to deliberate and co-operate on issues concerning business and human rights. Drawing inspiration from the trusteeship principle, advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of our Nation, India has continuously strived for inclusive and sustainable development. We have always been committed to take all the possible steps to create a conducive environment for our people to enjoy their human rights. The realisation of human rights has been a priority for India. In realisation of these two mutually reinforcing goals, India regards businesses to be a key partner.

2. Accordingly, India has made strides towards recognising and promoting socially responsible businesses. India has been a pioneer in statutorily recognising the responsibility of certain categories of companies to contribute to social development. The legal framework also sets out that the director of a company has a duty not only towards shareholders, but also towards employees, customers, environment and the community at large. Another key feature of our Company Law is the Corporate Social Responsibility.

3. India values the work of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights towards the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) and we are looking forward to examining the newly identified action areas to support the overall urgent need for more coherent action.

4. India has formally recognised the UNGPs framework in the National Voluntary Guidelines on Social, Environment and Economic Responsibilities of Business issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India in 2011. In order to align with the UNGPs and incorporate other developments in the field, we have updated the guidelines in 2018, which captured the vital UNGPs principles such as human rights due diligence with a view to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how businesses address adverse human rights impacts.

5. With a view to further reinforce India’s commitment, we are working on a National Action Plan, in line with the UNGPs. It takes stock of key legislative and policy measures of the Government of India that is relevant for the implementation of UNGPs in India and sets out the proposed future course of action.

6. With a view to realise the goal of global promotion and protection of human rights, India will remain engaged with all relevant stakeholders, including businesses and civil society organisations and cooperate with them in our journey. As embodied in our draft National Action Plan, India stands committed to spreading awareness on the importance of sustainable and socially responsible business practices that respect and protect human rights and engage with all stakeholders at national and global level in this regard.

I thank you, Mr. Chair.

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