Dr. Justice A.S. Anand, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission has stated that the Commission is not anti-government but is there to facilitate and to help States in the protection and promotion of human rights. He said the primary obligation to protect human rights is with the State and the Commission working as a facilitator.
Addressing a meeting of Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police of all States and Union Territories convened on 14 December 2004, Justice Anand sought their co-operation in better protection and promotion of Human Rights stating it to be a partnership. He, however, regretted that some States have not been forthcoming in their co-operation and communication gap exists. He said unless human rights are made as the Focal Point, good governance is not possible. He also said that injustice breeds contempt and nothing hurts a person more than injustice. On the reported suicides by farmers and starvation deaths in certain States, Justice Anand said that this brings to focus the need for food security and proper redressal of the problem is at the hands of the State machinery. He also called upon the police to improve its image notwithstanding the need to adopt scientific methods in their investigation.
During the day-long deliberations, the issue of setting up of State Human Rights Commissions and District Complaint authorities; Functioning of Human Rights Cells; Status Reports and Compliance Reports; NHRC Guidelines -- Implementation Issues; Training of Police and Other Personnel; Special Area Security Acts/Bills; Conditions in Jails; Atrocities against SC/ST; Human Rights and HIV/AIDS; Rights of the Disabled; Trafficking in Women and Children; Combating Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place; Child Marriage; Abolition of Manual Scavenging; Problem of Denotified Tribes; Right to Food; Rights of the Mentally Ill - Conditions of Mental Hospitals and Bonded Labour situation were discussed.