Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, at 59th session of Human Rights Council (16 June – 9 July 2025), Geneva, 25 June 2025
Mr. President,
- We take note of the recommendations made by the SR in this very timely report on interlinkage between poverty, climate change and social justice. SR has highlighted the problems afflicting developing countries, whose nature of double disproportionality, leads to double injustice to their people.
- India has always advocated that a right-based approach must be equally applied to the development aspect including the responsibility towards addressing the financing and technology transfer needs, which are crucial to combating the challenges of extreme poverty and climate change.
- India also places importance on the role of social protection in combating climate related and other vulnerabilities. India’s social protection coverage has doubled from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024, marking a significant expansion in welfare reach, according to the ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024-26. In this journey, we have leveraged digital tools to expand public service delivery in financial security, healthcare, and food assistance to millions. These initiatives have played a crucial role in improving livelihoods and reducing poverty across the country.
Mr. President,
- India’s strategy has shifted from short-term relief to long-term, rights-based, sustainable empowerment—focused on dignity, access, and opportunity. This includes flagship programmes in access to water, sanitation, housing, financial inclusion and skilling. This is reflected in the national and global assessments of India having lifted over 415 million people out of extreme poverty over the past 15 years.
Mr. President,
- India remains committed to building resilient systems and inclusive growth pathways that leave no one behind. We continue to engage constructively with all stakeholders in our shared pursuit of social and economic justice.
I thank you.
