New Delhi: 7th March, 2014

Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission inaugurated a three day long National Moot Court Competition on Human Rights at the Law Centre - 1 of the Delhi University today. It has been jointly organised by the NHRC and the Law Centre - 1 of the Delhi University. In all, 48 teams, representing various institutions from the different parts of the country, are participating in the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Balakrishnan raised the concerns specific to the rights of disadvantaged sections of society, including women, children, physically and mentally challenged persons, which required legal and policy interventions. He said that the number of complaint received by the NHRC is increasing every year and a lot of these pertain to human rights violations of such people. Therefore, it is of vital importance to address the concerns of vulnerable sections of society. He added that true human dignity can be realized only when all rights - civil, political, social economic and cultural, are viewed as symbiotic rather than stand-alone.

He said that the NHRC is committed to protection and promotion of human rights and expressed the hope that Moot Court will give the participants an opportunity for an insight into human rights issues and laws and encourage them to undertake further study into the subject.

The NHRC Chairperson appreciated the Law Centre - 1 for successfully organising the event last year and again collaborating with the Commission for this year's event too. He said that the Commission would like to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Law Centre - 1 of the Delhi University to hold the National Moot Court Competition as a regular collaborative event every year.

The Faculty of Law Centre - 1, officers of the NHRC, among other dignitaries, were present at the inaugural function.

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