A delegation of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India, led by Justice Shri H.L. Dattu, Chairperson and accompanied by Shri Satya Narayan Mohanty, Secretary General and Dr. Ranjit Singh, Joint Secretary participated in the 29th Annual General Meeting of the International Coordinating Committee (ICC) of the National Human Rights Institutions, NHRIs at Geneva from the 19th- 23rd March, 2016. The meeting became significant for many reasons, including for the renaming of the ICC as the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, GANHRI.
Addressing the Session on 'The Merida Declaration' on the 'Role of NHRIs in Implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development', Justice Dattu said that in tandem with what 'Merida Declaration' promises, the NHRC, India is actively engaged with the international mechanisms, such as the 'Universal Periodic Review'. It will put in all efforts within its jurisdiction to achieve the goals envisaged under the '2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development'.
Addressing another session on the 'Business and Human Rights', Justice Dattu said that there is a conspicuous tension between human rights and processes of globalization rendering the already marginalized more vulnerable to human rights violations. He said that the corporate sector and industry need to ensure that business goals are in alignment and not in conflict with human rights. The NHRC, India will continue its efforts in accordance with the UN Principles of 'Protect, Respect and Remedy' in the business sector.
Justice Dattu also emerged as the unanimous choice to be elected as a Member of the Bureau of the GANHRI in Geneva. NHRC, India will now be representing Asia-Pacific Region along with Mongolia, Qatar and Australia.
Given his past experience in judiciary, Justice Dattu's presence in the GANHRI Bureau would help in not only strengthening the GANHRI but also enhancing the role of NHRIs in the United Nations mechanisms. He will also be working towards the creation of new NHRIs in the countries, which have not set up such bodies.
The GANHRI Bureau is an important human rights body, which serves as the Management Committee of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions and implements all its decisions. All Sub-Committees and Working Groups report to the GANHRI Bureau.
The GANHRI Bureau consists of sixteen, 'A' status NHRIs, four from each region, namely, America, Europe, Africa and the Asia-Pacific. The NHRC, India has been regularly taking part in the activities of GANHRI. It has 'A' status and its Secretary General, Shri S.N. Mohanty is a Member of the Finance Committee of the GANHRI.
The NHRC, India, for the first time, also organised a 'Knowledge Fair' on the sidelines of the GANHRI meeting, giving an insight into the Commission's work towards building awareness for the promotion and protection of human rights.