Dr. Justice A.S. Anand, Chairperson of the Commission has said that the National Human Rights Institutions can play a crucial role in the resolution of different forms of conflicts. Addressing the 7th International Conference for National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights at South Korea on 15 September 2004, he said that there is an urgent need for evolving and putting in place a mechanism for channelising the grievances of the people, especially the vulnerable sections of the society by the National Human Rights Institutions. Justice Anand stressed that the National Institutions must, on their part, ensure speedy redressal of grievances brought before them. Neglect or delay in the consideration of such issues, he said, often adds to the frustrations of the people, making them even more cynical. The National Institutions, he said, also need to generate a feeling amongst the citizens that it is a forum where the citizens shall be heard on their grievance. The hope of being heard can restrain a citizen from becoming a potential terrorist, he observed. The National Institutions, he said, need to focus on the socio-economic dimensions and related inequities in the society, which provide a fertile ground for the growth of terrorism. Learning from each other's experience would be rather useful and therefore, greater co-operation between the National Institutions is necessary. National Institutions should step up the pace of dialogue and scope of joint partnerships with the non-governmental organizations, he stated. Experience has shown that such a linkage bridges the gap between the government and civil society and helps in creation of public awareness. Justice Anand also suggested that issues relating to Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and monitoring their implementation should form an important agenda for all National Institutions.
The 7th International Conference for National Human Rights Institutions, which took place from 14 - 17 September 2004 in Seoul, South Korea saw the participation of 180 delegates from 70 countries across the globe holding discussions on the theme "Upholding human rights during conflict and while Countering Terrorism". At the end of the 4-day forum, the Seoul Declaration was adopted recommending the National Institutions to play a vital role in safeguarding human rights, especially in conflict situations and countering terrorism.
It also elaborated on how governments can support the United Nations by the establishment of effective mechanisms to monitor the compliance of counter-terrorism measures with human rights standards.
(The full text of the Chairperson's speech is available on www.nhrc.nic.in)