NHRC, India Chairperson addresses International conference of NHRIs on Torture and other ill-treatment organised by GANHRI at Copenhagen
Press release
National Human Rights Commission
New Delhi, 8th November, 2023
NHRC, India Chairperson addresses International conference of NHRIs on Torture and other ill-treatment organised by GANHRI at Copenhagen
Says, the practice of torture, prosecution of perpetrators and disciplinary action is non-negotiable;
PIL in courts and suo motu cognizance by the NHRC are among the unique instruments of Indian jurisprudence to ensure justice for the victims
Nurturing a culture in the society and government is necessary to respect NHRIs on the lines of the judiciary
Justice Shri Arun Mishra, Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India, today said that we have to work collectively to make societies more humane and civil to eradicate the menace of torture of which most of the time the victims are poor and hapless individuals. To provide justice to victims of torture, we have to shift from retributive jurisprudence to restitution, reparation and compensation.
Justice Mishra was addressing the concluding session of the 14th International Conference of the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) on ‘Torture and other ill-treatment: The role of NHRIs’ organised by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) on 6th – 8th November, 2023 at Copenhagen. He said that we owe not only to present but future generations to take effective steps to prevent torture.
He said that correctional staff and community-wise attitudinal change must be inculcated. We must ensure transparency in police actions and places of detention. Modern technology must be used to monitor and detect such violations. Slow handling of complaints, and delays in the process of the criminal justice system, compound the problem.
Referring to the role of NHRIs in this context, Justice Mishra said that these institutions should be backed by suitable laws and independence in their work with adequate resources. It is necessary that a culture to respect NHRIs on the lines of judiciary is nurtured in the society and government. Follow up on the recommendations by the NHRIs and ensure accountability is concomitant with an effective remedial system.
Earlier, chairing a session on 'Practical perspective on protection: Complaints, investigations, access to justice and reparations', Justice Mishra gave an overview of the Indian jurisprudence and various practices that evolved over the years, both by the judiciary and NHRC. He said that Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in courts and suo motu cognizance by the NHRC are among such unique instruments to ensure justice for the victims.
Justice Mishra said that NHRC, India's complaint filing system, investigation mechanism and monetary relief in cases of human rights violations are part of a victim-centric approach to reparation. He was accompanied by Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal at the three-days conference.
Later, Justice Mishra was requested to highlight the work being done by APF and NHRC, India on climate change and human rights. He said that most of the times, poorest of the poor face adverse impact of climate change and therefore it is important that all NHRIs should focus on mitigating climate change to protect human rights of people. He highlighted the work being done in India.
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