Regional Consultation with NGOs of the Eastern Region
On 29 January 2002, the National Human Right Commission organised a regional consultation in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and voluntary organizations engaged with the promotion and protection of human rights. This was the second in a series of consultations being held by the Commission in various locations in the country. The first was held in New Delhi, where more than 80 NGOs working in the States of Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal participated. Pursuant to this consultation, the Commission set up a core group of NGOs to review the progress of these consultations and to serve as a monitoring mechanism.
In the consultation held in Bhubaneshwar, 51 NGOs from the Eastern States of Orissa (28), West Bengal (11), Bihar (9) and Jharkhand (3) participated. Present on behalf of the Commission were the Chairperson, Justice J.S. Verma, Member Dr. Justice K. Ramaswamy, Special Rapporteur, Shri Chaman Lal, Special Representative of NHRC in Orissa, Shri A.B. Tripathy, and various senior officials.
Inaugurating the function, Justice Verma stated that the powers exercised by the institutions of governance are derived from the people. Vigilance is therefore required to ensure that this power is used for the public good and welfare of the people and that their trust is not betrayed. The role of the NGOs is very important, as it is they who can help in ensuring the proper functioning of the institutions of governance. The Chairperson stated that surest way to end violation of human rights in society at large was to properly sensitize the society. The NGOs and the media had a great role to play in this regard. Along with constructive criticism of the functioning of governmental agencies, they should also suggest remedial measures.
The Chairperson expressed concern over reports that some NGOs were functioning as front organizations for groups opposed to the Constitution and integrity of the nation. It is NGOs themselves that should identify and expose such organizations and ensure that such organizations did not join their ranks, as they brought a bad name to the NGO sector. The Chairperson also called upon the non-governmental organizations to identify thrust areas for joint ventures with the Commission, to enhance its efforts to bring about a better awareness of human rights in civil society, and improve the quality governance in the country.
Dr. Justice K. Ramaswamy stressed the important role played by the NGOs in facilitating good governance and sought their commitment, cooperation and participation in the task of protecting and promoting human rights.
Shri Chaman Lal, Special Rapporteur, NHRC informed the participants that the Commission, under Section 12(h) and (i) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, is mandated to spread human rights literacy among various sections of society and to encourage the efforts of NGOs working in the field of human rights. Recognizing the unique role of the NGO sector, the Commission has decided to organize Regional Consultations with such organizations, in order to benefit from their expertise and knowledge in the field of human rights.
The participants made a number of observations/suggestions based on their field surveys and studies which included comments on civil and political rights, land /environmental rights, rights of women, rights of the child, rights of the vulnerable, human rights education and awareness, and other related issues. The Commission has noted the concerns raised and its core group will take them into consideration in their recommendations.
The next regional consultation with NGOs of the Southern region is scheduled to be held on 21 May 2002 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
In the consultation held in Bhubaneshwar, 51 NGOs from the Eastern States of Orissa (28), West Bengal (11), Bihar (9) and Jharkhand (3) participated. Present on behalf of the Commission were the Chairperson, Justice J.S. Verma, Member Dr. Justice K. Ramaswamy, Special Rapporteur, Shri Chaman Lal, Special Representative of NHRC in Orissa, Shri A.B. Tripathy, and various senior officials.
Inaugurating the function, Justice Verma stated that the powers exercised by the institutions of governance are derived from the people. Vigilance is therefore required to ensure that this power is used for the public good and welfare of the people and that their trust is not betrayed. The role of the NGOs is very important, as it is they who can help in ensuring the proper functioning of the institutions of governance. The Chairperson stated that surest way to end violation of human rights in society at large was to properly sensitize the society. The NGOs and the media had a great role to play in this regard. Along with constructive criticism of the functioning of governmental agencies, they should also suggest remedial measures.
The Chairperson expressed concern over reports that some NGOs were functioning as front organizations for groups opposed to the Constitution and integrity of the nation. It is NGOs themselves that should identify and expose such organizations and ensure that such organizations did not join their ranks, as they brought a bad name to the NGO sector. The Chairperson also called upon the non-governmental organizations to identify thrust areas for joint ventures with the Commission, to enhance its efforts to bring about a better awareness of human rights in civil society, and improve the quality governance in the country.
Dr. Justice K. Ramaswamy stressed the important role played by the NGOs in facilitating good governance and sought their commitment, cooperation and participation in the task of protecting and promoting human rights.
Shri Chaman Lal, Special Rapporteur, NHRC informed the participants that the Commission, under Section 12(h) and (i) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, is mandated to spread human rights literacy among various sections of society and to encourage the efforts of NGOs working in the field of human rights. Recognizing the unique role of the NGO sector, the Commission has decided to organize Regional Consultations with such organizations, in order to benefit from their expertise and knowledge in the field of human rights.
The participants made a number of observations/suggestions based on their field surveys and studies which included comments on civil and political rights, land /environmental rights, rights of women, rights of the child, rights of the vulnerable, human rights education and awareness, and other related issues. The Commission has noted the concerns raised and its core group will take them into consideration in their recommendations.
The next regional consultation with NGOs of the Southern region is scheduled to be held on 21 May 2002 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.