NHRC to Chair the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights for the Fourth Consecutive Year
The 55th Session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights considered the item on National Institutions between 19 – 22 April 1999. Some 20 National Institutions took part in the debate including the National Human Rights Commission of India.
In an important development, the UN Commission on Human Rights made special arrangements for the participation of National Institutions in their own right, and with a status distinct from others, in the proceedings of the Commission.
In a parallel meeting of the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights which also held at that time, the National Human Rights Commission of India was unanimously asked to continue for the fourth consecutive year as the Chairman of the committee.
The NHRC was represented at this meeting by its Members Shri Virendra Dayal and Justice Shri V.S.Malimath. Addressing the Session on behalf of the Commission, Shri Virendra Dayal expressed his happiness at the arrangements made for National Institutions to participate in their own right in the work of the UNHRC and expressed the hope that National Institutions which are independent and based on "Paris Principles", would be accorded a similar right of participation in other meetings of the United Nations when human rights were the focus. He felt this to be necessary as National Institutions have a voice and a competence that is distinct from both Governments and NGOs. They are the much needed "third force" required for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights at the country level – a force that has been missing too long.
Shri Dayal observed that, already, National Institutions around world are working closely and constructively together, assisting each other through the exchange of ideas, and personnel and experience. These Institutions are also generally devoid of the political divisiveness that has, too often, marred and set back the global cause of human rights.
Speaking about the Indian National Human Rights Commission, Shri Dayal said that the Commission has established its for reputation for independence and integrity, worthy of the trust placed in it. This has been expressed most dramatically in the ever-increasing number of complaints addressed to the Commission seeking redressal of grievances. In the five-and half years of its existence, the Indian Commission has received some 120,000 complaints of which some 40,000 were registered in the past 12 months alone. As of 31 March 1999, all but 20,000 complaints had been considered and dealt with. The decisions of the Commission have invariably been complied with.
Shri Dayal also observed that the National Human Rights Commission of India had been deeply shocked and pained by attacks on members of the Christian Community in certain parts of India. Indeed, vast numbers of Indians, in all walks of life and all levels of Government and society: have expressed their outrage at these attacks. The Commission had taken the view that the menace that such violence represents, which threatens the pluralistic character of the country and constitutionally guaranteed human rights, must be firmly and promptly checked. Adequate measures should alsotaken, both by the Central and State Governments to prevent the recurrence of such tragic events. It has also emphasised that it is imperative to bring to book all those who have violated the laws of the land.
In an important development, the UN Commission on Human Rights made special arrangements for the participation of National Institutions in their own right, and with a status distinct from others, in the proceedings of the Commission.
In a parallel meeting of the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights which also held at that time, the National Human Rights Commission of India was unanimously asked to continue for the fourth consecutive year as the Chairman of the committee.
The NHRC was represented at this meeting by its Members Shri Virendra Dayal and Justice Shri V.S.Malimath. Addressing the Session on behalf of the Commission, Shri Virendra Dayal expressed his happiness at the arrangements made for National Institutions to participate in their own right in the work of the UNHRC and expressed the hope that National Institutions which are independent and based on "Paris Principles", would be accorded a similar right of participation in other meetings of the United Nations when human rights were the focus. He felt this to be necessary as National Institutions have a voice and a competence that is distinct from both Governments and NGOs. They are the much needed "third force" required for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights at the country level – a force that has been missing too long.
Shri Dayal observed that, already, National Institutions around world are working closely and constructively together, assisting each other through the exchange of ideas, and personnel and experience. These Institutions are also generally devoid of the political divisiveness that has, too often, marred and set back the global cause of human rights.
Speaking about the Indian National Human Rights Commission, Shri Dayal said that the Commission has established its for reputation for independence and integrity, worthy of the trust placed in it. This has been expressed most dramatically in the ever-increasing number of complaints addressed to the Commission seeking redressal of grievances. In the five-and half years of its existence, the Indian Commission has received some 120,000 complaints of which some 40,000 were registered in the past 12 months alone. As of 31 March 1999, all but 20,000 complaints had been considered and dealt with. The decisions of the Commission have invariably been complied with.
Shri Dayal also observed that the National Human Rights Commission of India had been deeply shocked and pained by attacks on members of the Christian Community in certain parts of India. Indeed, vast numbers of Indians, in all walks of life and all levels of Government and society: have expressed their outrage at these attacks. The Commission had taken the view that the menace that such violence represents, which threatens the pluralistic character of the country and constitutionally guaranteed human rights, must be firmly and promptly checked. Adequate measures should alsotaken, both by the Central and State Governments to prevent the recurrence of such tragic events. It has also emphasised that it is imperative to bring to book all those who have violated the laws of the land.