Mr. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Union Minister for Minority Affairs lauds NHRC for its role in promotion and protection of human rights on the occasion of Human Rights Day (10.12.2018)



New Delhi, 10th December, 2018

Mr. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Union Minister for Minority Affairs today said that advocating for the human rights of those is not appropriate, who kill people, terrorise them and violate their rights. He was addressing as the Chief Guest of the Human Rights Day Function of the National Human Rights Commission, India in New Delhi. He said that those who talk of the human rights of those who attack the security forces and create unrest in the country, how will they have the moral courage to talk of the human rights of the common man.

He said that India is the largest democracy in the world and a unique example of unity in diversity. Despite different languages and culture, the people across India, live with tolerance and harmony. The Constitution of the country is a great unifying factor, which guarantees protection of human rights.

Lauding the role of the NHRC, India, Mr. Naqvi said that it has made significant contribution towards spreading awareness about the promotion and protection of Human rights. He said that the Commission is working very strongly and effectively for the protection of human rights in the country.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Justice H.L. Dattu, Chairperson, NHRC, India said that the vibrant democracy of India is guided by the principles, rights and obligations enunciated in our Constitution. Not only has India been unequivocal in its commitment to the preservation and protection of human rights nationally, but also internationally.

He said that it is a matter of great pride that NHRC, India has been accredited as an ‘A’ status NHRI throughout its existence from 1993 onwards by the Global Alliance of NHRIs. This indicates that the Commission is fully compliant with the UN mandated Paris Principles. It is also a Founding Member of the Asia-Pacific Forum of NHRIs (APF), the regional network of GANHRI, thus playing a constructive role in the international sphere.

He said that the NHRC, India has been observing Human Rights Day each year, with a view to renew and reiterate its unwavering commitment to the cause of human rights of the people of the country. Since its establishment on 12th October, 1993, the Commission has made significant contributions to mainstreaming a human rights centered approach in the legislations as well as Government policies and programmes.

Giving a brief insight into the various features of the functioning of the NHRC, including the handling of a large number of complaints of human rights violations, Justice Dattu said that the Commission’s constant endeavour over the last 25 years has been to make itself as accessible to the people as possible. For this, it has developed a wide range of important monitoring mechanisms to oversee the human rights situation in the country.

The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, in his message on Human Rights Day, read by Ms Radhika Batra Kaul, Chief of Staff, United Nations Resident Coordinator’s office, said that "For 70 years, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been a global beacon – shining a light for dignity, equality and well-being … and bringing hope to dark places. The rights proclaimed in the Declaration apply to everyone -- no matter our race, belief, location or other distinction of any kind.”

Earlier, Mr. Ambuj Sharma, Secretary General, NHRC, dwelling upon the significance of Human Rights Day said that the Commission is committed to the cause of human rights.

Marking the Human Rights Day celebrations, the Union Minister for Minority Affairs also released two NHRC publications, including which included Journals in Hindi and English respectively. The books carry articles on important aspects of human rights issues by the eminent persons.

Apart from this, he also gives away awards to the winners of the NHRC Mahatma Gandhi Biennial Awards for original works of writing in Hindi on various aspects of human rights.

The first prize of Rs. 75,000/- for the year 2014-15 was given to Prof. Usha Yadav for her Novel ‘Uske Hissey ki Dhoop’. This Novel focuses on ill effects of child exploitation and throws light on how it can possibly be stopped.

The second prize of Rs. 50,000/- for the year 2014-15 was given to Dr. Virendra Bhati Mangal for his book ‘Gharailu Hinsa’. The book gives presence in depth analysis of domestic violence and its impact in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan.

Another second prize of Rs. 50,000/- for the year 2012-13 was given to Mrs. Rajni Gosain for her book ‘Chote Chote Haath, Nanhi Nanhi ungaliyan’. The book is a detailed research analysis of the basic needs of children and their rights.

Earlier, the Union Minister for Minority Affairs opened NHRC's photo and children's paintings exhibition showcasing the photographic depiction of the Commission’s activities during the last year.

Several prominent dignitaries, including, among others, Judges of Supreme Court, High Courts, former Judges of Supreme Court, High Courts, UN representatives, diplomats, senior Government functionaries, civil society representatives, members of Para Military Forces, NHRC officers and staff attended the function.

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