Message of NHRC Member, Mr. Justice P.C. Pant on the eve of Human Rights Defenders’ Day (08.12.2020)

New Delhi, 08th December, 2020

“In commemoration of the day 09.12.1998 i.e. when the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders was adopted by the UN General Assembly, the Commission acknowledges and appreciates the important role played by the Human Rights Defenders in strengthening the human rights regime in India and across the globe.

The Commission recognizes the work done by HRDs, and is not oblivious to the threats, intimidation and other forms of repression faced by them at the hands of State/non State actors while selflessly working towards the cause of protection and promotion of the human rights. The Commission has time and again resolved to continuously support the HRDs in their crusade to protect Human Rights in the country.

The Commission has taken a number of steps to have better coordination with the HRDs/civil society groups/Non-Government Groups in furtherance of its mandate under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The Commission has taken cognizance in multiple cases in alleged violations of human rights of HRDs by issuing requisite direction to the appropriate authorities and such cases are given priority.

The Commission, in order to strengthen and support the HRDs, has designated a Focal Point of HRDs who is accessible round the clock through a dedicated phone number – 9999393570 and on email hrd-nhrc@nic.in. The role played by the Focal Point specifically during the Covid 19 pandemic and subsequent lock down period on alleged violations of human rights has been well appreciated in every quarter specifically intervention of the Focal Point even at odd hours by accepting urgent complaints of alleged human rights violations with the authorities.

In order to strengthen the role of Focal Point, all Chief Secretaries/Administrators of UTs have been asked to instruct their Nodal Officers of Human Rights that in case of any eventualities concerning Human Rights Defenders, the Focal Point may after obtaining orders from the Commission, communicate to them for appropriate remedial measures for providing relief to HRDs in distress. The Commission is also in the process of enlarging the Core Group of NGOs/HRDs by inclusion of more women and the individuals/NGOs from North East and less represented States/spheres.

The Commission renews its commitment to continue to support and encourage the HRDs who are the eyes and ears of the Commission, in their legitimate human rights work throughout the county.

The Commission wishes good luck to all the Human Rights Defenders and greater strength in their fight for the cause of human rights for all in the country, especially in these difficult times of Covid 19.

JAI HIND.”

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