NHRC - SHRCs meet: Calls on State Governments to set up SHRCs
The National Human Rights Commission and the State Human Rights Commissions have unanimously endorsed and adopted a resolution requesting State Governments to set up State Human Rights Commissions, where they do not exist. This was passed at the meeting of the NHRC with SHRCs held in New Delhi on 13 May 2005. The resolution also stated that where, there are State Human Rights Commissions or, are in the process of being setup, it may be ensured that they are structurally and financially independent as envisaged in and, fully confirming to, the principles relating to the status of national institutions (the "Paris Principles") endorsed by the UN General Assembly on 20 December 1993.
The National and State Commissions also reiterated and reminded the Governments, both, at the Centre and in the States, that the primary obligation towards the protection of human rights is that of the State and that the National Human Rights Institutions are to facilitate the protection of human rights.
At the meeting, enactment of the Amendments to the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 which has been pending with the Government of India for the past five years was also discussed.
All the SHRCs were of the view that the present Act has certain lacunae, which is presenting difficulties in the effective functioning of the NHRC as well as SHRCs. The meeting among other issues deliberated on the need to create awareness and educate the public on human rights as well as train, impart skills and sensitize the judiciary, prosecutors and police personnel.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Dr. Justice A.S. Anand, Chairperson of the NHRC said that the States must appreciate that the Commissions assist the governments in fulfilling their constitutional obligations and responsibilities of protecting and promoting human rights of the citizens. In his opinion, human rights and democracy are mutually supportive and unless human rights are made the focal point, good governance would remain an unfulfilled dream.
Justice Anand also expressed concern at the delay in effecting the amendments to the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, which had been forwarded to the Union Government of India in 2000. He urged the Government to carry out the suggested amendments, which are aimed at strengthening the regime of protection of human rights in the country.
Noting that failures in the sphere of human rights in economic, social and cultural areas are widespread, Justice Anand said that NHRC and the SHRCs must make all efforts to create an environment in which rights can be better protected and promoted. Outlining some of the recent initiatives of NHRC in the field of Public Health and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Justice Anand hoped that the State Commissions could supplement the efforts of NHRC.
The National and State Commissions also reiterated and reminded the Governments, both, at the Centre and in the States, that the primary obligation towards the protection of human rights is that of the State and that the National Human Rights Institutions are to facilitate the protection of human rights.
At the meeting, enactment of the Amendments to the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 which has been pending with the Government of India for the past five years was also discussed.
All the SHRCs were of the view that the present Act has certain lacunae, which is presenting difficulties in the effective functioning of the NHRC as well as SHRCs. The meeting among other issues deliberated on the need to create awareness and educate the public on human rights as well as train, impart skills and sensitize the judiciary, prosecutors and police personnel.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Dr. Justice A.S. Anand, Chairperson of the NHRC said that the States must appreciate that the Commissions assist the governments in fulfilling their constitutional obligations and responsibilities of protecting and promoting human rights of the citizens. In his opinion, human rights and democracy are mutually supportive and unless human rights are made the focal point, good governance would remain an unfulfilled dream.
Justice Anand also expressed concern at the delay in effecting the amendments to the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, which had been forwarded to the Union Government of India in 2000. He urged the Government to carry out the suggested amendments, which are aimed at strengthening the regime of protection of human rights in the country.
Noting that failures in the sphere of human rights in economic, social and cultural areas are widespread, Justice Anand said that NHRC and the SHRCs must make all efforts to create an environment in which rights can be better protected and promoted. Outlining some of the recent initiatives of NHRC in the field of Public Health and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Justice Anand hoped that the State Commissions could supplement the efforts of NHRC.