Fight Terrorism within the Rule of Law: Commission's call at
UNHRC Geneva Meet
The Commission has called on the international community to co-operate in combating terrorism but emphasized that in doing so, the approach should be humane, rational and secular. Speaking at the 60th Session of the UN Commission on Human Rights at Geneva on 14 April 2004, Dr. Justice A.S. Anand, Chairperson of the Commission, said that the fight against terrorism should be consistent with democratic principles and the rule of law. Referring to the recent terrorist attacks in India and abroad, Justice Anand stated such acts bring into sharp focus the need to balance security concerns and the protection and promotion of human rights.
In his address, Justice Anand called for a greater role for National Human Rights Commissions in the work of United Nations, its treaty bodies and specialized agencies. He stressed the need to further develop co-operation between them. He also underlined the need to address challenges to the independence of national institutions and the constraints, which come in the way of their effective operation. He added that all concerned, both in the Government and outside, need to be sensitized about the need to scrupulously adhere to the Paris Principles, which were adopted by the United Nations and which seek to ensure the autonomy and independence of National Institutions. He emphasized that the protection of human rights not only requires vigilance by various agencies but also sustained cooperation at regional and international levels. In this direction, the National Human Rights Commission of India, as the Chair of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions in 2003, contributed to this effort. Besides cooperation at the regional level, the Commission has also taken up bilateral cooperation projects with the Human Rights Commission of Nepal involving technical assistance in Complaints Management System and investigation techniques.
On the working of the Commission, Justice Anand outlined the various steps being taken to protect the rights of persons belonging to vulnerable sections like the minorities, dalits, disabled, women and others.
Shri Y. Bhaskar Rao, Member and Smt. S. Jalaja, Joint Secretary of the Commission also participated in the meeting as members of the NHRC delegation.
(The full text of the Chairperson's speech is available on www.nhrc.nic.in).
In his address, Justice Anand called for a greater role for National Human Rights Commissions in the work of United Nations, its treaty bodies and specialized agencies. He stressed the need to further develop co-operation between them. He also underlined the need to address challenges to the independence of national institutions and the constraints, which come in the way of their effective operation. He added that all concerned, both in the Government and outside, need to be sensitized about the need to scrupulously adhere to the Paris Principles, which were adopted by the United Nations and which seek to ensure the autonomy and independence of National Institutions. He emphasized that the protection of human rights not only requires vigilance by various agencies but also sustained cooperation at regional and international levels. In this direction, the National Human Rights Commission of India, as the Chair of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions in 2003, contributed to this effort. Besides cooperation at the regional level, the Commission has also taken up bilateral cooperation projects with the Human Rights Commission of Nepal involving technical assistance in Complaints Management System and investigation techniques.
On the working of the Commission, Justice Anand outlined the various steps being taken to protect the rights of persons belonging to vulnerable sections like the minorities, dalits, disabled, women and others.
Shri Y. Bhaskar Rao, Member and Smt. S. Jalaja, Joint Secretary of the Commission also participated in the meeting as members of the NHRC delegation.
(The full text of the Chairperson's speech is available on www.nhrc.nic.in).