NHRC delegation visits Ireland
A high level delegation, led by NHRC, Chairperson, Justice Shri S. Rajendra Babu, comprising Secretary General, Shri A.K. Jain, Director, Research, Shri Y.S.R. Murthy visited Ireland in the month of April 2008.
During the three day visit, the Commission's delegation held meetings with the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.
In the meeting with the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Dublin, the contribution of NHRC, India to the development of the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions [ICC], the spread of National Human Rights Institutions across the world and in the drafting the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was acknowledged. The President of the Irish Commission, Mr. Maurice Manning, said that his Commission agreed with NHRC, India on most issues at international Conferences.
In response, the Chairperson, NHRC, India acknowledged the significant work being done by IHRC. He observed that though problems of the two countries were different, there were many areas where they could coordinate their efforts.
The Chief Executive, IHRC explained the legal framework of Good Friday Agreement, European Convention on Human Rights and the Council of Europe Agreements under which the Irish Commission operated. He pointed out that his Commission rendered overall advice on human rights matters and had responsibility to make recommendations on emerging and new issues. He also mentioned legal powers to conduct inquiries and to assist the Court as amicus curiae in legal representation cases.
He outlined the six key goals of the Strategic Plan 2007-2011 drafted by his Commission.
The Chairperson, NHRC, India pointed out petitions filed by the Commission before the Supreme Court with regard to Police Reforms, Juvenile Justice system, Gujarat riots etc. The Secretary General, NHRC gave an overview of the functioning of the Commission including the work of different Divisions and relationship between NHRC and State Human Rights Commissions. Director (Research), NHRC explained the functioning of the Policy Research, Programmes and Projects Division and in particular, explained new initiatives being taken by the Commission with regard to the Rights of persons with Disabilities and Right to Health.
Regarding enforceability of IHRC recommendations, NHRC, India was informed that a diligent effort was made to ensure that its recommendations were grounded in the National and international law. The Irish Human Rights Commission also explained its work with regard to trafficking of persons.
The important role of judiciary in the protection and promotion of human rights was discussed. The Chairperson, NHRC, India explained the best practices of the Indian Commission and about a Handbook on Human Rights for Judicial Officers published by it. The Chairperson, Irish Human Rights Commission evinced keen interest on the subject.
On the 3rd day of the visit, the delegation left Dublin for Belfast where it held discussions with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC). Prof. Monica McWilliams, Chief Commissioner, NIHRC explained in detail the work of the Commission in the backdrop of conflict, post-conflict period, Good Friday agreement and their joint activities with the Irish Human Rights Commission. The Chief Commissioner explained the work presently on with regard to preparation of a Bill of Rights and requested the Chairperson, NHRC, India to extend guidance in this regard.
The Chairperson, NHRC, India informed them about the Commission's work relating to human rights in prisons in India.
During the three day visit, the Commission's delegation held meetings with the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.
In the meeting with the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Dublin, the contribution of NHRC, India to the development of the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions [ICC], the spread of National Human Rights Institutions across the world and in the drafting the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was acknowledged. The President of the Irish Commission, Mr. Maurice Manning, said that his Commission agreed with NHRC, India on most issues at international Conferences.
In response, the Chairperson, NHRC, India acknowledged the significant work being done by IHRC. He observed that though problems of the two countries were different, there were many areas where they could coordinate their efforts.
The Chief Executive, IHRC explained the legal framework of Good Friday Agreement, European Convention on Human Rights and the Council of Europe Agreements under which the Irish Commission operated. He pointed out that his Commission rendered overall advice on human rights matters and had responsibility to make recommendations on emerging and new issues. He also mentioned legal powers to conduct inquiries and to assist the Court as amicus curiae in legal representation cases.
He outlined the six key goals of the Strategic Plan 2007-2011 drafted by his Commission.
The Chairperson, NHRC, India pointed out petitions filed by the Commission before the Supreme Court with regard to Police Reforms, Juvenile Justice system, Gujarat riots etc. The Secretary General, NHRC gave an overview of the functioning of the Commission including the work of different Divisions and relationship between NHRC and State Human Rights Commissions. Director (Research), NHRC explained the functioning of the Policy Research, Programmes and Projects Division and in particular, explained new initiatives being taken by the Commission with regard to the Rights of persons with Disabilities and Right to Health.
Regarding enforceability of IHRC recommendations, NHRC, India was informed that a diligent effort was made to ensure that its recommendations were grounded in the National and international law. The Irish Human Rights Commission also explained its work with regard to trafficking of persons.
The important role of judiciary in the protection and promotion of human rights was discussed. The Chairperson, NHRC, India explained the best practices of the Indian Commission and about a Handbook on Human Rights for Judicial Officers published by it. The Chairperson, Irish Human Rights Commission evinced keen interest on the subject.
On the 3rd day of the visit, the delegation left Dublin for Belfast where it held discussions with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC). Prof. Monica McWilliams, Chief Commissioner, NIHRC explained in detail the work of the Commission in the backdrop of conflict, post-conflict period, Good Friday agreement and their joint activities with the Irish Human Rights Commission. The Chief Commissioner explained the work presently on with regard to preparation of a Bill of Rights and requested the Chairperson, NHRC, India to extend guidance in this regard.
The Chairperson, NHRC, India informed them about the Commission's work relating to human rights in prisons in India.