Durban Review Conference
A delegation of NHRC led by Member, Mr. Justice B.C. Patel attended the Durban Review Conference in Geneva from 20th -24th April. The aim of the Conference was to:-
" review progress and assess implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) adopted at 2001 World Summit by all stakeholders at the National, Regional and International levels;
" assess the effectiveness of the existing Durban follow up mechanisms and other relevant UN mechanisms dealing with the issues of racism and related intolerance;
" promote universal ratification and implementation of the International Convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination and to share good practices achieved in the fight against racism.
The National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) identified 14 priorities which they were committed to advancing together. These primarily aimed at monitoring racism at the national, regional and global levels and promoting development of national action plans to combat racism.
At the Plenary Session, NHRC Member, Mr. Justice B.C. Patel said that the Commission was firmly committed to the elimination of racism in all its forms and manifestations. He said that the Constitution of India had safeguards to prevent discrimination based on a number of grounds including racism. He underscored recommendations made by the Commission to all the concerned authorities on ensuring that human rights of all the citizens are protected without discrimination.
The NHRC India delegation also met with the High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Navanethem Pillay on the side lines of Durban Review Conference and assured its full support for the implementation of the Durban declaration and programme of action. Member, Mr. Justice B.C. Patel suggested that joint activities could be taken up in the field of human rights education with the support of the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR).
" review progress and assess implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) adopted at 2001 World Summit by all stakeholders at the National, Regional and International levels;
" assess the effectiveness of the existing Durban follow up mechanisms and other relevant UN mechanisms dealing with the issues of racism and related intolerance;
" promote universal ratification and implementation of the International Convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination and to share good practices achieved in the fight against racism.
The National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) identified 14 priorities which they were committed to advancing together. These primarily aimed at monitoring racism at the national, regional and global levels and promoting development of national action plans to combat racism.
At the Plenary Session, NHRC Member, Mr. Justice B.C. Patel said that the Commission was firmly committed to the elimination of racism in all its forms and manifestations. He said that the Constitution of India had safeguards to prevent discrimination based on a number of grounds including racism. He underscored recommendations made by the Commission to all the concerned authorities on ensuring that human rights of all the citizens are protected without discrimination.
The NHRC India delegation also met with the High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Navanethem Pillay on the side lines of Durban Review Conference and assured its full support for the implementation of the Durban declaration and programme of action. Member, Mr. Justice B.C. Patel suggested that joint activities could be taken up in the field of human rights education with the support of the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR).