The National Human Rights Commission observed its 22nd Foundation Day in New Delhi on the 12th October, 2014. Addressing the gathering at a specially organized function, Justice Shri K.G. Balakrishnan, Chairperson, NHRC said that the Commission has been observing its Foundation Day each year with a range of activities for not only commemorating the occasion, but also to refresh its resolve to further its mandate to uphold the unassailable rights of people. The phenomenal increase in the number of complaints is indicative of the growing awareness about rights as well as the faith of people in the Commission.
Justice Balakrishnan said that the Commission is particularly concerned about the Rights of Women following rising cases of sexual assault and crime against them in recent times. To end this, the Commission has undertaken various initiatives, including raising concerns at national and international forums and recommending amendments in the criminal law. Giving an insight into various activities of the Commission during the last one year, the NHRC Chairperson said that the International Coordinating Committee has accredited the NHRC, India with an 'A' status, thereby acknowledging its active role in the promotion and protection of human rights.
On the occasion, the NHRC Chairperson awarded a special commendation certificate and a memento to Dr. Adarsh Kumar, Additional Professor, Forensic Medicine, AIIMS for giving valued medico-legal opinions to the Commission in the investigation of custodial and encounter death cases.
Shri Subhra Pratim Halder, Kolkata, Sushri Divya Bharti, Delhi and Shri Amit Kumar Mohan, Bhopal were awarded first, second and third prizes for Rs. 12 thousand, Rs. 8 thousand and Rs. 6 thousand in essay writing competition in Hindi on 'Freedom of Expression, Women Empowerment and Human Rights', organized by the Commission in the year 2014.
Ten winners of children's painting competition on human rights issues in three age groups were also awarded. Later, a cultural programme was organized to celebrate the Foundation Day.