Lok Sabha Speaker lauds NHRC's activities at a function organised to mark Human Rights Day (10.12.2014)
Press Release
New Delhi, 10th December, 2014
The National Human Rights Commission organised a special function in New Delhi to observe Human Rights Day today on the 10th December, 2014 to draw attention towards the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted and proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948. The theme of this year's Human Rights Day - "Human Rights 365" encompasses the idea that every day is Human Rights Day and everybody at all times is entitled to the full range of human rights.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest on the occasion, the Lok Sabha Speaker, Mrs. Sumitra Mahajan said that we should be concerned about the entire universe and not just limit ourselves talking about the rights of human beings only. The United Nations may have decided in 1948 to observe the 10th December as Human Rights Day but India has a long tradition of not only giving importance to human beings but also to all living beings in the universe who are inter-dependent and live with mutual co-existence in harmony. This is reflected through our centuries old culture and literature which talk of 'Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam', i.e., 'World is for all'.
Mrs. Mahajan also said that the protection and promotion of human rights and observation of Human Rights Day should not be the responsibility of the NHRC or a government only but of all people. She said that it will not be just sufficient to talk of human rights on just one particular day but to become mutually sensitive towards each other's rights and duties for all time.
She lauded the NHRC's consistency in its activities and interventions right since its inception in 1993 towards promotion and protection of human rights through its various seminars, conferences, camp sittings, awareness programmes, children's painting competition, visits to jails, among other institutions.
However, the Lok Sabha Speaker said that a balance should be maintained in our approaches towards the rights of victims of human rights violation and those who are guilty of violating them. Referring to various rights violations, including, women's and children's rights, including, their right to education and issue of honour killing, she said that a lot needs to be done to make society think about these issues to bring about a change in their outlook towards girls and children.
The NHRC Chairperson, Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishnan said that governments must make certain that the policies and programmes devised by them have a strong human rights component to ensure a truly beneficial and equitable utilization of national and human resources. He said that the Commission regards the governments and civil society as indispensible partners in its efforts and various activities towards the promotion and protection of various civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
Justice Balakrishnan said that in 2013-14 alone, the Commission registered 98,136 fresh cases with action having being completed in 92,292 cases. During the period, the Commission also recommended payment of interim relief in 443 cases amounting to Rs.151.953 million.
Ms. Kiran Mehra-Kerpelman, Director, United Nations Information Centre in India read out Human Rights Day message of the UN Secretary General, who emphasized upon individual justice, social stability and global progress which are key to protecting human rights.
Earlier, NHRC Secretary General, Mr. Rajesh Kishore, while welcoming the dignitaries, highlighted the role of the NHRC, India and the challenges before it in safeguarding human rights of a large population. He also administered human rights pledge to the gathering.
The Lok Sabha Speaker also released six NHRC publications on the occasion which included, English Journal, 'Manav Adhikar: Nayi Dishayen', which are compilations of articles by eminent persons on various aspects of human rights, 'Manav Adhikar Sanchika', Handbook of Spot Enquiries. She also saw a children's painting and photo exhibition of the NHRC's activities during the year.
Several dignitaries, including, present and former NHRC Members, senior officers, representatives of UN agencies and other eminent persons attended the Human Rights Day function of the Commission.
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New Delhi, 10th December, 2014
The National Human Rights Commission organised a special function in New Delhi to observe Human Rights Day today on the 10th December, 2014 to draw attention towards the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted and proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948. The theme of this year's Human Rights Day - "Human Rights 365" encompasses the idea that every day is Human Rights Day and everybody at all times is entitled to the full range of human rights.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest on the occasion, the Lok Sabha Speaker, Mrs. Sumitra Mahajan said that we should be concerned about the entire universe and not just limit ourselves talking about the rights of human beings only. The United Nations may have decided in 1948 to observe the 10th December as Human Rights Day but India has a long tradition of not only giving importance to human beings but also to all living beings in the universe who are inter-dependent and live with mutual co-existence in harmony. This is reflected through our centuries old culture and literature which talk of 'Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam', i.e., 'World is for all'.
Mrs. Mahajan also said that the protection and promotion of human rights and observation of Human Rights Day should not be the responsibility of the NHRC or a government only but of all people. She said that it will not be just sufficient to talk of human rights on just one particular day but to become mutually sensitive towards each other's rights and duties for all time.
She lauded the NHRC's consistency in its activities and interventions right since its inception in 1993 towards promotion and protection of human rights through its various seminars, conferences, camp sittings, awareness programmes, children's painting competition, visits to jails, among other institutions.
However, the Lok Sabha Speaker said that a balance should be maintained in our approaches towards the rights of victims of human rights violation and those who are guilty of violating them. Referring to various rights violations, including, women's and children's rights, including, their right to education and issue of honour killing, she said that a lot needs to be done to make society think about these issues to bring about a change in their outlook towards girls and children.
The NHRC Chairperson, Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishnan said that governments must make certain that the policies and programmes devised by them have a strong human rights component to ensure a truly beneficial and equitable utilization of national and human resources. He said that the Commission regards the governments and civil society as indispensible partners in its efforts and various activities towards the promotion and protection of various civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
Justice Balakrishnan said that in 2013-14 alone, the Commission registered 98,136 fresh cases with action having being completed in 92,292 cases. During the period, the Commission also recommended payment of interim relief in 443 cases amounting to Rs.151.953 million.
Ms. Kiran Mehra-Kerpelman, Director, United Nations Information Centre in India read out Human Rights Day message of the UN Secretary General, who emphasized upon individual justice, social stability and global progress which are key to protecting human rights.
Earlier, NHRC Secretary General, Mr. Rajesh Kishore, while welcoming the dignitaries, highlighted the role of the NHRC, India and the challenges before it in safeguarding human rights of a large population. He also administered human rights pledge to the gathering.
The Lok Sabha Speaker also released six NHRC publications on the occasion which included, English Journal, 'Manav Adhikar: Nayi Dishayen', which are compilations of articles by eminent persons on various aspects of human rights, 'Manav Adhikar Sanchika', Handbook of Spot Enquiries. She also saw a children's painting and photo exhibition of the NHRC's activities during the year.
Several dignitaries, including, present and former NHRC Members, senior officers, representatives of UN agencies and other eminent persons attended the Human Rights Day function of the Commission.
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