NHRC observes Human Rights Day
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, organized a special function to observe Human Rights Day on the 10th December, 2011 in New Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Justice G.P. Mathur, Member, NHRC described the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a milestone document in the history of human rights. The Declaration spells out fundamental rights which are to be universally observed. He said that Human Rights Day also gives an opportunity to the NHRC to take stock of its activities in promotion and protection of human rights in the country and introspect in order to gear itself for challenges ahead. He said that the NHRC has been playing the role of a catalyst in promotion and protection of human rights and seeks cooperation of all stakeholders, including government functionaries, civil society and NGOs in this endeavour.
Justice Mathur said that the NHRC in addition to building awareness about the promotion and protection of human rights is committed to fast disposal of cases of human rights violations, recommending monetary relief to the victim and punitive action against the erring public authority.
On the occasion, the message of the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon was read out by Mr. Rajiv Chandran, National Information Officer, UNIC. In the message, the UN Secretary General emphasized that "human rights belong to every one of us without exception. But unless we know them, unless we demand they be respected, and unless we defend our right - and the right of others - to exercise them, they will be just words in a decades-old document."
Earlier, Dr. Rajiv Sharma, Secretary General, NHRC welcomed all the guests and dignitaries assembled to observe Human Rights Day with the Commission.
NHRC Members, Mr. Justice G.P. Mathur, Mr. Justice B.C. Patel, Mr. Satyabrata Pal and Mr. P.C. Sharma released six NHRC publications which included 'Nai Dishayein' in Hindi and a Journal' in English carrying articles by eminent persons on different aspects of human rights; three booklets of 'Know Your Rights' series in English titled 'Right to Work', 'Right of Shelter' and 'Rights of Elderly People'; and the 'Manual on Human Rights for Police Officers'.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Justice G.P. Mathur, Member, NHRC described the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a milestone document in the history of human rights. The Declaration spells out fundamental rights which are to be universally observed. He said that Human Rights Day also gives an opportunity to the NHRC to take stock of its activities in promotion and protection of human rights in the country and introspect in order to gear itself for challenges ahead. He said that the NHRC has been playing the role of a catalyst in promotion and protection of human rights and seeks cooperation of all stakeholders, including government functionaries, civil society and NGOs in this endeavour.
Justice Mathur said that the NHRC in addition to building awareness about the promotion and protection of human rights is committed to fast disposal of cases of human rights violations, recommending monetary relief to the victim and punitive action against the erring public authority.
On the occasion, the message of the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon was read out by Mr. Rajiv Chandran, National Information Officer, UNIC. In the message, the UN Secretary General emphasized that "human rights belong to every one of us without exception. But unless we know them, unless we demand they be respected, and unless we defend our right - and the right of others - to exercise them, they will be just words in a decades-old document."
Earlier, Dr. Rajiv Sharma, Secretary General, NHRC welcomed all the guests and dignitaries assembled to observe Human Rights Day with the Commission.
NHRC Members, Mr. Justice G.P. Mathur, Mr. Justice B.C. Patel, Mr. Satyabrata Pal and Mr. P.C. Sharma released six NHRC publications which included 'Nai Dishayein' in Hindi and a Journal' in English carrying articles by eminent persons on different aspects of human rights; three booklets of 'Know Your Rights' series in English titled 'Right to Work', 'Right of Shelter' and 'Rights of Elderly People'; and the 'Manual on Human Rights for Police Officers'.