The Human Rights Council (HRC) is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally. The Council addresses situations of human rights violations, makes recommendations, and serves as a platform for dialogue among UN Member States, experts, civil society organizations, and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs).

The HRC convenes at least three regular sessions each year—in March, June, and September—at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.

NHRIs with “A” status accreditation (compliant with the Paris Principles)—such as NHRC —are granted participation rights, including:

●  Submission of written reports, policy papers, and statements.

●  Participation through oral and pre-recorded video statements during key sessions, such as:

      -  Universal Periodic Review (UPR) outcomes.

      -  Interactive dialogues following special rapporteurs' country visit reports.

      -  Annual panel discussions and thematic debates.

NHRC regularly submits written contributions, delivers oral interventions, and engages in interactive dialogues, thereby contributing to the global human rights discourse through the HRC platform.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is the global network of NHRIs. It plays a central role in coordinating NHRI engagement with international bodies, especially the UN, and strengthens members through capacity-building and technical assistance.

Key functions of GANHRI include:

NHRIs with “A” status accreditation (compliant with the Paris Principles)—such as NHRC —are granted participation rights, including:

●  Accrediting NHRIs based on compliance with the Paris Principles.

●  Organizing annual meetings and thematic conferences.

●  Supporting NHRIs through training, resources, and global partnerships.

NHRC holds “A” status accreditation with GANHRI. Its accreditation history includes:

●  Initial accreditation in 1999.

●  Re-accreditation in 2006, 2011, and 2017.

●  Currently undergoing the latest review cycle initiated in 2022.

NHRC is an active Bureau Member of GANHRI and previously chaired Finance Committee also.

It regularly participates in the GANHRI Annual Meeting, which includes the Bureau Meeting, General Assembly, and Annual Conference—providing a forum for peer learning, joint action, and strategic planning among global NHRIs.

The Asia Pacific Forum (APF) is a leading regional network of NHRIs in the Asia Pacific and one of GANHRI’s four regional groupings. Established in 1996, APF provides extensive support to its members, including:

●  Thematic training programs.

●  Technical assistance for compliance and capacity assessment.

●  Legislative advisory support and accreditation guidance.

NHRC is an active APF member and part of the APF Governance Committee. It also serves on the Drafting Committee for the Guiding Principles on the Role of NHRIs in Conflict Situations in the Asia Pacific, contributing to the development of principles for NHRIs in conflict and crisis contexts.

NHRC successfully hosted the 28th APF Annual Meeting and Biennial Conference in September 2023 in New Delhi. The event brought together representatives from NHRIs, civil society, governments, and UN agencies. The Biennial Conference featured three key sessions:

●  30 Years of Promoting and Protecting Human Rights across Asia and the Pacific.

●  Advancing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): Promoting freedom, equality, and justice.

●  The Role of NHRIs in Responding to and Mitigating the Impact of Climate Change on Human Rights.

The event culminated in the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, outlining shared commitments and future priorities for the region’s NHRIs.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was drafted by representatives from diverse legal and cultural backgrounds across the globe and was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 through resolution 217 A (III). The Declaration serves as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations, outlining— for the first time—fundamental human rights that are to be universally protected. The UDHR sets out a broad range of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights bning through 30 articles.  India made a meaningful contribution to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) through its active involvement in the deliberations of the UN Commission on Human Rights. Dr. Hansa Mehta, an Indian freedom fighter, educator, and social activist, successfully advocated for amending Article 1 of the UDHR, originally stating ‘All men are born free and equal, to ‘All human beings are born free and equal,’ ensuring gender-neutral language. Lakshmi N. Menon co-founded the Federation of University Women in India and served as president of the All India Women's Conference and the All India Committee for the Eradication of Illiteracy Among Women.

The Paris Principles set out the minimum conditions a National Human Rights Institution must meet to be recognized as credible by its peer institutions and within the United Nations system.

The Paris Principles identify six main criteria that these institutions should meet:

• A broad mandate, based on universal human rights standards;
• Autonomy from government;
• Independence guaranteed by statute or constitution;
• Pluralism including through membership and/or effective cooperation;
• Adequate resources; and
• Adequate powers of investigation.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) is a vital international treaty guaranteeing fundamental civil and political rights in a global context. Together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, it forms the International Bill of Human Rights. Ratifying nations like India commit to protecting essential human rights, including life, dignity, equality, freedom(s) of speech, assembly, religion, and privacy, freedom from torture and arbitrary detention, gender equality, fair trial rights, family life, and minority rights. Governments are obligated to implement measures and provide remedies to ensure these rights are upheld and protected. Adopted by the UN in 1966 and effective since 1976, the ICCPR is a cornerstone of global human rights protection. India ratified the ICCPR in 1979. Our Constitution is aligned with its principles, and we participate in periodic UN reviews and engage in international human rights dialogues to ensure implementation of the tenets of the ICCPR in the civil and political context of India. Aligning with the tenets and principles of the ICCPR, the National Human Rights Commission acts as a national mechanism to promote and protect human rights.  It does this through systematic review of national legislation and policies, thorough investigation of alleged violations, and the formulation and dissemination of actionable recommendations to governmental bodies. Furthermore, the NHRC actively cultivates a human rights culture by conducting public awareness initiatives and training programs for diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration with civil society organizations and human rights defenders. It also has dedicated core groups established for various subjects and themes that are in tandem with the focus areas of the ICCPR, which conduct regular meetings on pertinent issues of human rights. 

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1966 and in force since 1976, is a core international human rights treaty that obligates States to recognize and progressively realize a broad range of economic, social, and cultural rights. These include the rights to work, fair wages, safe working conditions, social security, family protection, an adequate standard of living (including food, clothing, and housing), health, education, and participation in cultural life. The Covenant emphasizes the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and the indivisibility of all human rights, affirming that these rights are essential for human dignity and well-being.

India ratified the ICESCR in 1979, signaling its commitment to uphold these rights for its citizens. Over the decades, India has taken several legislative and policy steps aligned with the Covenant, such as the Right to Education Act, the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and various schemes for health, food security, and social welfare. Despite challenges related to poverty, inequality, and access, India has increasingly recognized economic, social, and cultural rights as justiciable, particularly through proactive judicial interpretation by Indian courts that link these rights to the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) plays a crucial role in advancing the objectives of the ICESCR. It monitors state compliance with socio-economic rights, investigates violations, and issues recommendations to ensure better protection and delivery of these rights. The NHRC has also advocated for the rights of vulnerable populations, including informal workers, marginalized communities, and persons with disabilities, often referencing international human rights standards such as the ICESCR in its reports and advisories. By promoting awareness, accountability, and policy reform, the NHRC acts as a bridge between India’s international obligations and national implementation efforts. 

The Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (CFNHRI) is a member-led network of NHRIs, ombudsmen, and public defenders across the Commonwealth. It aims to protect and promote human rights through regional cooperation and exchange of best practices.

NHRC is an active CFNHRI member and currently participates in two key Working Groups:

●  Business and Human Rights (BHR)

●  Health and Human Rights

The CFNHRI convenes Annual Meetings attended by all member institutions to deliberate on key human rights issues, share innovations, and identify areas for collaborative engagement within the Commonwealth framework.