The National Human Rights Commission took suo-motu cognizance of the national calamity arising from the devastating cyclone which recently hit large areas of Orissa. Expressing its deep sense of sorrow and concern for the loss of life and property occasioned due to this catastrophic event, the Commission has directed its Special Representative, stationed at Bhubaneswar, to inform it on a regular basis about the system of dispensation of the relief measures to the affected people, and highlight the deficiencies, if any. This will enable the Commission to take further steps and, if necessary, issue appropriate direction or guidelines to the concerned authorities of the Central or State Government.

The Commission has also asked its Secretary General and Special Rapporteur to visit Orissa and study the arrangements for providing relief, both Short Term and Long Term, and to submit their reports to the Commission at the earliest.

Further steps to be taken by the Commission will be considered and decided on the basis of the information received from the Secretary General and Special Rapporteur.