Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment at the 55th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council (26 Feb - 6 Apr 2024) delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, First Secretary,Geneva, 6 March 2024
Mr. Vice President,
- We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report and note its recommendations.
- The report rightly points out that the unbridled consumption and uneven ecological footprint of a few have led us to where we are; and vulnerable communities who contributed the least to the crisis are suffering disproportionate harm. India’s Lifestyle for Environment or LiFE Mission aims to forge a global mass movement for all of us individually and collectively to move towards mindful and deliberate utilisation instead of mindless and destructive consumption.
- On our part, with 17 per cent of the world’s population and only 4 per cent of global carbon emissions, India leads from the front in striving to balance ecology and economy. Our national guidelines on responsible business conduct keep in mind both the UNGPs on BHR, as well as the need to achieve SDGs.
- The Green Development Pact and Global Biofuels Alliance were among key outcomes of our G20 presidency last year. As one of the few economies on track to meet its NDC targets, India has also led initiatives such as International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Leadership Group for Industry Transition, and most recently, Lead-IT 2.0 and Green Credits Initiative at COP28.
- We request the Special Rapporteur for views on further specific steps for more coordinated international efforts to address this collective challenge.
Thank you.
