General Comments by India on consideration of the resolution on “Human Rights and Climate Change” at the 47th Session of the Human Rights Council (21st June to 15th July, 2021), delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [Geneva, 14^th July, 2021]

Madam President,

We thank the core group for its efforts, leadership and constructive engagement.  Climate change is a key global challenge that merits our collective attention. It is a subject on which a decision should ideally be adopted by this Council by consensus. India is a climate responsible developing country and a leader in global climate action. We have been co-sponsoring the resolution on ‘human rights and climate change’.

During the informals, we had called for deletion of OP15 pertaining to creation of a new special procedures mandate holder for addressing ‘the adverse impact of climate change on the full and effective enjoyment of human rights’ that has been introduced this year. In our view, the mandate of the existing Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment is inextricably linked to the subject of climate change, considering ‘a safe climate is a vital element of the right to a healthy environment’. The mandate holder can and has comprehensively addressed the issue of climate change.  Unfortunately, OP15 has been retained in the resolution. 

Madam President,

This resolution calls upon all States to consider human rights within the framework of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. India is of the view that the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement are the most appropriate forum for a discussion on issues pertaining to climate change based on principles of Equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibility and Respective Capabilities. We need more global climate action which needs to go hand-in hand with the framework for financial, technical and capacity building support to countries which need it.

We do not support OP15. However, in view of our abiding commitment to global action on climate change, we will not break the consensus and dissociate ourselves from OP15.

I thank you, Madam President.