New Delhi, 13th October, 2014

The National Human Rights Commission observed its 22nd Foundation Day on the 12th October, 2014 in New Delhi. Addressing the gathering at a specially organized function to mark the occasion, Mr. Justice 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 among the people as also their growing faith in the Commission.

Justice Balakrishnan said that the Commission is particularly concerned about the Rights of Women, given the increase in the instances of sexual assault and crime against women 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 laws. Giving an insight into various activities of the Commission during the last one year, the NHRC Chairperson said that having an 'A' status of an NHRI accredited with the International Coordinating Committee, the Commission continues to play an 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. Three winners of Hindi essay writing competition organized by the Commission on different themes related to human rights were also awarded along with ten winners of children's painting competition on human rights issues in three age groups.
A cultural progamme was also organized to mark the occasion.
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