The message of NHRC Chairperson, Mr. Justice Arun Mishra for Human Rights Defenders Day on 9th December, 2022

"9th December is observed as Human Rights Defenders Day. On this Day, the United Nations adopted the Declaration of Human Rights Defenders in 1998. The NHRC, India believes that Human Rights Defenders are the front warriors and assets in promoting and protecting human rights, as they stand up for their rights and many other victims of human rights violations.

To protect the human rights of HRDs, the Commission has set up a focal point for them. It also engages with them through various mechanisms like core group meetings, dialogues during open hearings and camp sittings in different parts of the country. A Core Group of Human Rights Defenders has also been re-constituted recently.

The Commission has included a separate chapter on Human Rights Defenders in its Annual Report to give an insight into the issues they raised.

On the occasion of Human Rights Defenders Day, I hope that the HRDs would earnestly continue with the cause of human rights of the people living in the far-flung areas and be the eyes & ears of the Commission to bring justice to them.

Jai Hind!"