NHRC, India celebrates Human Rights Day through an online event (10.12.2020)

New Delhi, 10th December, 2020

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India organized an online function at its premises in New Delhi to celebrate Human Rights Day today on the 10th December, 2020. Addressing from the Andaman as the Chief Guest of the event, Mr. Nityanand Rai, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs said that India, in line with the spirit of its Vedic traditions and Constitutional framework, is committed to protecting human rights and strengthening the NHRC. The NHRC Member, Mr Justice P C Pant presided over the function in the presence of Members, Mrs Jyotika Kalra, Dr. D. M. Mulay and Secretary General, Mr Bimbadhar Pradhan and other senior officers.

Mr. Rai said that the rights of the people can be protected when they not only are made aware of these rights but also have access to remedy. In this context, he said that the government is empowering the local Panchayats and focusing on the digitization of services. The National Digital Health Mission, is yet another latest step in this direction.

He said that people’s welfare is key to the protection and promotion of their human rights. Keeping this in view, the government has launched various welfare schemes for all including the women, children, migrant labourers. These include, among others, Ujjwala Yojana, Skill India, Make in India, Aatamnirbhar Bharat scheme, Swach Bharat, Beti Bachao- Beti Padhao campaign, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme.

The Union Minister lauded the work of NHRC for the promotion and protection human rights. He made a special reference to the NHRC Covid-19 related Advisories for the protection of the rights of various sections of society.

Earlier, Mr. Justice P. C. Pant said that it is a time to reaffirm our commitment that human rights should form the basis of all the State policies. This year has been very tough globally for humanity, due to COVID-19 pandemic, requiring a cohesive response from the public health care system as well as from the general public. The success of the public health care system’s response, in dealing with this grave situation, depends on how deep-rooted are our fundamentals for respecting the human rights.

He said that during the last eight months from 01.04.2020 to 30.11.2020, while various parts of the country were impacted by COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission registered 46,544 complaints and disposed of 49,759, including the new and old cases. In 182 cases monetary relief of Rs. 4,75,25,000/- was awarded to the families of victims. In 32 cases of human rights violation, suo moto cognizance was taken. Enormous increase in the number of complaints and disposal is indicative of the awareness of Human Rights among the people and as also their growing faith in the Commission.

Justice Pant said that UDHR is an embodiment of the aspirations of people across the world for enquiring equality, dignity and peaceful co-existence. Giving an insight into the various functions of the NHRC and its contribution at the national and international forum, including Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and Asia Pacific Forum (APF) of National Human Rights Institutions, he said that the Commission’s endevour has been to make itself as accessible to people as possible in redressal of their grievances related to human rights violations. He said that the NHRC, India is an ‘A’ accredited NHRI with the GANHRI and also a member of its Bureau, which is an important policy setting body.

The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, in his message on Human Rights Day, read out by Ms. Shoko Noda, UNDP Resident Representative in India, called for human rights to be put “ front and centre” of COVID-19 response and recovery globally in order to achieve a better future for people everywhere.

Prior to this, the NHRC Secretary General, Mr. Bimbadhar Pradhan said that the Commission has been observing Human Rights Day each year, with a view to renew and reiterate its unwavering commitment to the cause of human rights of the people of this country. It is a solemn occasion for us to reflect on the journey that we, as a nation, have traversed so far, and the future path we need to chalk out to make human rights for all a reality. Giving an insight into the Commission’s functioning, he made a specific reference to the significance of the 11 COVID -19 related Advisories issued by it in consultation with a group of experts.

On the occasion, NHRC Journal carrying research based articles on various aspects of human rights was also released.

Several dignitaries including former Chairpersons and Members of the NHRC, Chairpersons and Members of State Human Rights Commission, representatives of Central and State Governments, UN Bodies, Diplomats Civil Society, NGOs, Media, among others, were invited to attend the function online.

Later, in a separate online event, the NHRC Members and senior officers awarded the winners of its two online debate competitions, organized in run up to Human Rights celebration, for the students of National Law Universities and police personnel of various police organizations.

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