Independent national human rights institutions crucial for promoting and protecting human rights: Justice Anand
Dr. Justice A.S. Anand, Chairperson, NHRC has said that a bold and independent National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) is crucial for promoting and protecting human rights. Speaking at the 14th Commonwealth Law Conference held in London from 11th to 15th September 2005, the Chairperson said that such institutions play a critical role in vigorously defending the human rights of all concerned before the Government, the Parliament and the Courts. He said that NHRIs must aim to develop a human rights culture in the country and continuously strive to become the conscience of the nation.
Addressing the gathering Justice Anand said that there is a great complementarity between the NHRC and the Supreme Court of India and the two are engaged in the task of protecting human rights of the citizens. He mentioned that some of the remits of the Supreme Court and High Courts to the NHRC had enhanced the prestige and credibility of the Commission. He also said that the Commission has successfully approached the Supreme Court and High Courts in a number of cases like the 'Best Bakery case' and the cases of mentally challenged undertrial prisoners. Justice Anand also apprised the participants on the Commission's interventions in Acts like TADA, which in its opinion was violative of the human rights of the citizens. He also mentioned about the recommendations made by the Commission for amendments in the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 and for curbing human trafficking. He said that the efforts of the Commission to persuade the Government to ratify the Convention on Torture has not borne any results so far, though, the Commission achieved success in persuading the Government to sign the Optional Protocol, 2000 (Child Rights) in November 2004.
He also said that the ever-increasing number of complaints is a clear indication of the people's faith in the NHRC as an accessible mechanism to redress their human rights grievances.
Addressing the gathering Justice Anand said that there is a great complementarity between the NHRC and the Supreme Court of India and the two are engaged in the task of protecting human rights of the citizens. He mentioned that some of the remits of the Supreme Court and High Courts to the NHRC had enhanced the prestige and credibility of the Commission. He also said that the Commission has successfully approached the Supreme Court and High Courts in a number of cases like the 'Best Bakery case' and the cases of mentally challenged undertrial prisoners. Justice Anand also apprised the participants on the Commission's interventions in Acts like TADA, which in its opinion was violative of the human rights of the citizens. He also mentioned about the recommendations made by the Commission for amendments in the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 and for curbing human trafficking. He said that the efforts of the Commission to persuade the Government to ratify the Convention on Torture has not borne any results so far, though, the Commission achieved success in persuading the Government to sign the Optional Protocol, 2000 (Child Rights) in November 2004.
He also said that the ever-increasing number of complaints is a clear indication of the people's faith in the NHRC as an accessible mechanism to redress their human rights grievances.