NHRC and SHRCs meet; agree to co-ordinate efforts for better protection of Human Rights<
br>
A meeting of the National Human Rights Commission and the State Human Rights Commissions took place in New Delhi on 30 January 2004. Chairperson and Secretaries of the State Human Rights Commissions of Assam, Chhatisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh participated.
Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Justice A.S. Anand, in his opening address said that the meeting is aimed at exchanging ideas and experiences of matters concerning co-ordination. He said that defence of human rights is in effect and in essence protection of human dignity and therefore the tasks entrusted to NHRC and SHRCs are very important.
Justice Anand regretted that the amendments to the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 have not been taken up by the Parliament or the Government of India till date. This, despite repeated assurances by various political leaders that at least some, if not all, would be carried out, he said. Dr. Anand stressed that the Commission has been drawing attention to the felt need for amending the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 every year in its Annual Reports. The Chairperson, at the same time, cautioned that this should not be an excuse in coordinating efforts between NHRC and SHRCs as the goal of both is common, that of better protection of human rights. He said where the law is silent conventions can fill the gap. These conventions could be of temporary nature untill the amendments to the Act are carried out.
The meeting discussed suggestions regarding coordination and sharing of information, training, awareness building and publications on human rights issues in regional languages. Other human rights issues like problems in jail were discussed. It was suggested that computer linkage between NHRC and SHRCs could help in better co-ordination and sharing of information to avoid duplication of work. Most of the SHRCs reported that they have been conducting training programmes especially those for administrative and police officers. They also said they were bringing out publications on human rights issues in local languages. It was suggested by NHRC that each State could present their best practice programme, which could be duplicated by others.
The problems associated with jails, including overcrowding, large number of undertrials, lack of basic amenities and nutritious food were discussed at the meeting. Also highlighted was the distressing condition of children whose parents were in jail. Some of the measures suggested included frequent surprise checks to be carried out, making the Board of Visitors functional. It was also suggested that NHRC take up the issue with the authorities concerned to expedite quick disposal of cases involving petty crimes in order to solve the problems of large number of undertrials in jails. It was also requested that all SHRCs ensure that the guidelines issued by NHRC be enforced in their State.
Besides the meeting, publications of both NHRC and SHRCs were on display at the venue.
A meeting of the National Human Rights Commission and the State Human Rights Commissions took place in New Delhi on 30 January 2004. Chairperson and Secretaries of the State Human Rights Commissions of Assam, Chhatisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh participated.
Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Justice A.S. Anand, in his opening address said that the meeting is aimed at exchanging ideas and experiences of matters concerning co-ordination. He said that defence of human rights is in effect and in essence protection of human dignity and therefore the tasks entrusted to NHRC and SHRCs are very important.
Justice Anand regretted that the amendments to the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 have not been taken up by the Parliament or the Government of India till date. This, despite repeated assurances by various political leaders that at least some, if not all, would be carried out, he said. Dr. Anand stressed that the Commission has been drawing attention to the felt need for amending the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 every year in its Annual Reports. The Chairperson, at the same time, cautioned that this should not be an excuse in coordinating efforts between NHRC and SHRCs as the goal of both is common, that of better protection of human rights. He said where the law is silent conventions can fill the gap. These conventions could be of temporary nature untill the amendments to the Act are carried out.
The meeting discussed suggestions regarding coordination and sharing of information, training, awareness building and publications on human rights issues in regional languages. Other human rights issues like problems in jail were discussed. It was suggested that computer linkage between NHRC and SHRCs could help in better co-ordination and sharing of information to avoid duplication of work. Most of the SHRCs reported that they have been conducting training programmes especially those for administrative and police officers. They also said they were bringing out publications on human rights issues in local languages. It was suggested by NHRC that each State could present their best practice programme, which could be duplicated by others.
The problems associated with jails, including overcrowding, large number of undertrials, lack of basic amenities and nutritious food were discussed at the meeting. Also highlighted was the distressing condition of children whose parents were in jail. Some of the measures suggested included frequent surprise checks to be carried out, making the Board of Visitors functional. It was also suggested that NHRC take up the issue with the authorities concerned to expedite quick disposal of cases involving petty crimes in order to solve the problems of large number of undertrials in jails. It was also requested that all SHRCs ensure that the guidelines issued by NHRC be enforced in their State.
Besides the meeting, publications of both NHRC and SHRCs were on display at the venue.