Core Group Meeting of NGOs
A meeting of the Core Group of NGOs was held in the Commission on September 12, 2007, under the chairmanship of Justice Shri Y. Bhaskar Rao, Member NHRC. The Core Group first took up for discussion the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities which was followed by the Right to Environment.
The discussion came out with a number of recommendations which would be taken up by the Commission for monitoring. On the subject of disability, the suggestions included-involvement of Panchayats and Civil Society for identification of the disabled. NHRC could consider holding a Conference on Disability; there was a need to focus on the disabled amongst the poorest; there was need for holding 'Disability; Adalats' on the lines of Lok Adalats to redress their grievances. Creation of public awareness on the Rights of Persons with Disability. Rehabilitation of mentally ill persons which have been neglected in the new convention and State governments should be made aware of their responsibilities in this regard. Accessibility of physically challenged to public places like banks, trains, buses was stressed and lack of toilets for the disabled in all-long distance trains was noted. Impediments in the way of air travel by autistic persons was stressed; need to improve infrastructure in cities and villages and make it disabled friendly and in particular pay attention to gender differences.
On the issue of Right to Environment, the suggestions and discussions included - NHRC could constitute a Core Group on Environment, to highlight the issues related to Right to Environment; concern was expressed over the poor implementation of recommendations of M.G.K Menon Committee on hazardous waste - asbestos poisoning was highlighted; protocols on genetically modified seeds and in particular, those dealing with their use in rain-fed areas not being followed, leading to farmers' suicide; new settlers in forest reserves resorting to poaching; damaged coasts by illegal sand mining and building of new hotels/resorts.
The Core Group also suggested greater periodicity of holding meetings and follow up of decisions taken.
The discussion came out with a number of recommendations which would be taken up by the Commission for monitoring. On the subject of disability, the suggestions included-involvement of Panchayats and Civil Society for identification of the disabled. NHRC could consider holding a Conference on Disability; there was a need to focus on the disabled amongst the poorest; there was need for holding 'Disability; Adalats' on the lines of Lok Adalats to redress their grievances. Creation of public awareness on the Rights of Persons with Disability. Rehabilitation of mentally ill persons which have been neglected in the new convention and State governments should be made aware of their responsibilities in this regard. Accessibility of physically challenged to public places like banks, trains, buses was stressed and lack of toilets for the disabled in all-long distance trains was noted. Impediments in the way of air travel by autistic persons was stressed; need to improve infrastructure in cities and villages and make it disabled friendly and in particular pay attention to gender differences.
On the issue of Right to Environment, the suggestions and discussions included - NHRC could constitute a Core Group on Environment, to highlight the issues related to Right to Environment; concern was expressed over the poor implementation of recommendations of M.G.K Menon Committee on hazardous waste - asbestos poisoning was highlighted; protocols on genetically modified seeds and in particular, those dealing with their use in rain-fed areas not being followed, leading to farmers' suicide; new settlers in forest reserves resorting to poaching; damaged coasts by illegal sand mining and building of new hotels/resorts.
The Core Group also suggested greater periodicity of holding meetings and follow up of decisions taken.