General Statement by India during the 26th Session of the Inter Governmental Working Group on the Right to Development (12-15 May 2025) delivered by Mr. Mohammed Hussain K.S., Counsellor & Legal Adviser, Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations Geneva on 12 May 2025
Mr. Chair,
Indian delegation would like to join other delegations in congratulating you on your election as the Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on the Right to Development (RTD).
2. We would also like to thank the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development and the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development for their work in relation to their respective mandates.
Mr. Chair,
3. India reiterates its strong support for the full and effective implementation of the Right to Development. The Right to Development, as a distinct, universal, inalienable, and fundamental human right, is fundamental to the realization of the goal of sustainable development.
4. It is imperative to address the need for the operationalization of the Right to Development in order to achieve equitable and sustainable development. In this context, we emphasize the indivisibility of human rights—civil and political, as well as economic, social, and cultural rights—and the importance of international cooperation for the full realization of the RTD. The application of the principles of democracy, transparency, accountability, non-discrimination, equity, and participatory governance in the implementation of RTD by States is essential to serve the best interests of the people.
Mr. Chair,
5. India attaches high priority to inclusive and sustainable development, which also informs and inspires our development cooperation with other countries, based on their developmental priorities. Our global development cooperation encompasses grant-in-aid, lines of credit, capacity-building, training, and technical assistance. At the multilateral level, we have established the India-UN Development Partnership Fund to strengthen our cooperation with developing countries. Our efforts at the national level, including in areas such as health, education, housing, poverty reduction, digital empowerment, gender equality, and climate action, are aimed at fulfilling our obligations to implement the RTD for our people.
Mr. Chair,
6. We believe that international cooperation is essential for the operationalization and realization of the Right to Development. Reforming the global multilateral framework and strengthening capacity-building efforts are key to realizing the RTD.
7. In conclusion, India remains steadfastly committed to taking all possible steps to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by our citizens, including through inclusive and sustainable development.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
