Statement by India under Agenda Item: 3 Interactive Dialogue with SR on Disabilities in the 43rd Session of the Human Rights Council ( 24 February – 20 March 2020), delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 28 February 2020)

Thank you Mr Vice-President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her Report.

2. ‘Equality before law’ is the fundamental right of every human being and a necessary precondition for the exercise of all other human rights. Indian Constitution guarantees the equality before law to all persons within its territory.

3. We take note of the recommendations of SR. While enacting our national legislation “the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016”, the Government has amended various laws to remove the discriminatory provisions relating to leprosy affected persons. On protecting the integrity of the person, our Act guarantees the requirement of free and informed consent of person with disability to any medical procedure which leads to infertility.

Mr. Vice-President,

4. Poverty and disability are closely linked, and persons with disabilities are very vulnerable. India in the last two decades, lifted millions of people above the poverty line, and there by reduction in the hardships faced by persons with disabilities in the process of economic development. This process has been supplemented by capacity building of human resource, infrastructure development through targeted schemes and programmes, and affirmative actions, in favour of persons with disabilities.

5. India remains firmly committed and will continue to work towards building an inclusive environment for the persons with disabilities, enabling them to enjoy their rights equally with others without discrimination, and realising their full potential.

I thank you.