Struggle for Human Rights getting more complex: Justice Anand
Dr. Justice A.S. Anand, Chairperson of NHRC has observed that every year the struggle for human rights is getting more complex with new threats rearing their heads and bringing with them different kinds of challenges. Addressing the 61st session of the Commission on Human Rights at Geneva on 13 April 2005, he said, "all of us have much to learn from each other". He called upon the various National Institutions and other participants at the meet to share their "unique experiences and perhaps learn from each other's mistakes". While drawing attention on how disasters like the recent Tsunami remind one of the importance of solidarity and the immense potential of cooperation at regional and international level in human rights, Justice Anand outlined the initiatives taken by the NHRC for the victims of the Tsunami residing in India. He said that the Commission has asked the Central/State Governments concerned to ensure equitable distribution of relief to the Tsunami victims and to maintain transparency in the matter of rehabilitation. Keeping in view the rights issues raised in the wake of the calamity, the Commission also suggested ways and means to protect and safeguard the victims against trafficking and the sexual abuse of young widows, girls and children affected.
In his speech, Justice Anand also touched on the spectre of terrorism. He said that it strikes at the very root of human rights of innocent people and hence terrorism and human rights are natural enemies. Justice Anand said that terrorism has been a cause of concern for India for over three decades. Denouncing any justification for terrorism, he stated that the menace of terrorism has to be curbed by waging a relentless war against it. Justice Anand, however, cautioned that in the fight against terrorism, sensitization level of human rights cannot be allowed to be sacrificed. The State cannot be permitted to go overboard and in effect declare a war on the civil liberties of people. Counter terrorism measures should not undermine democratic values or subvert the rule of law, he said.
The Chairperson, in his address, also deliberated on a number of issues concerning human rights in the context of India and the Commission's interventions for better protection of human rights in the country.
He said the Commission has consistently taken the view that the right to live with human dignity must result in the strengthening of measures to ensure better and comprehensive health care facilities for the citizens. In this regard, he referred to the Regional Public Health Hearing conducted by the NHRC, followed by the National Public Hearing on Right to Health Care.
On the violation of human rights of those affected/infected by HIV/AIDS, the Commission, he said, has urged the State Governments to take steps to prevent discrimination against the affected children in access to education and health care. The Chairperson particularly mentioned that following the Commission's efforts, the Government of India has recently approved the signing of the two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, namely (i) on the involvement of children in armed conflicts; and (ii) on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.
Justice Anand mentioned that despite the bar contained in Section 19 of the Act relating to inquiries into allegations of violation of human rights by the armed forces, the Commission made the Government to concur with the Commission that it could recommend grant of interim relief even in cases relating to armed forces, where violations of human rights stand established.
He also highlighted the initiatives taken by the Commission for the human rights of the people with disability, trafficking in women and children, the rights of women and children, rights of the Dalits and the minorities, the rights of the elderly, rights of person living in prison as also the rights of mentally ill persons.
Justice Shivaraj V. Patil, Member, NHRC accompanied the Chairperson during the 61st Session of the Commission on Human Rights at Geneva held from 12 April to 15 April 2005.
In his speech, Justice Anand also touched on the spectre of terrorism. He said that it strikes at the very root of human rights of innocent people and hence terrorism and human rights are natural enemies. Justice Anand said that terrorism has been a cause of concern for India for over three decades. Denouncing any justification for terrorism, he stated that the menace of terrorism has to be curbed by waging a relentless war against it. Justice Anand, however, cautioned that in the fight against terrorism, sensitization level of human rights cannot be allowed to be sacrificed. The State cannot be permitted to go overboard and in effect declare a war on the civil liberties of people. Counter terrorism measures should not undermine democratic values or subvert the rule of law, he said.
The Chairperson, in his address, also deliberated on a number of issues concerning human rights in the context of India and the Commission's interventions for better protection of human rights in the country.
He said the Commission has consistently taken the view that the right to live with human dignity must result in the strengthening of measures to ensure better and comprehensive health care facilities for the citizens. In this regard, he referred to the Regional Public Health Hearing conducted by the NHRC, followed by the National Public Hearing on Right to Health Care.
On the violation of human rights of those affected/infected by HIV/AIDS, the Commission, he said, has urged the State Governments to take steps to prevent discrimination against the affected children in access to education and health care. The Chairperson particularly mentioned that following the Commission's efforts, the Government of India has recently approved the signing of the two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, namely (i) on the involvement of children in armed conflicts; and (ii) on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.
Justice Anand mentioned that despite the bar contained in Section 19 of the Act relating to inquiries into allegations of violation of human rights by the armed forces, the Commission made the Government to concur with the Commission that it could recommend grant of interim relief even in cases relating to armed forces, where violations of human rights stand established.
He also highlighted the initiatives taken by the Commission for the human rights of the people with disability, trafficking in women and children, the rights of women and children, rights of the Dalits and the minorities, the rights of the elderly, rights of person living in prison as also the rights of mentally ill persons.
Justice Shivaraj V. Patil, Member, NHRC accompanied the Chairperson during the 61st Session of the Commission on Human Rights at Geneva held from 12 April to 15 April 2005.