30th Foundation Day of the NHRC

Press Release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi, 12th October, 2023

30th Foundation Day of the NHRC

The Former President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind lauds the role of the NHRC in championing the cause of human rights over 30 years

The acts of terrorism and violence are against the basic principles of human rights: Shri Ram Nath Kovind

NHRC Chairperson, Justice Arun Mishra expresses concerns over student suicides; calls for compulsory education till graduation

Appeals to authorities for providing documents and Aadhar cards to beggars, Transgender, sex workers, orphans and trafficked minors to ensure benefits of welfare schemes for them

Human rights include the right to vote and elect the Government and the State must ensure violence-free elections so that citizens enjoy fundamental democratic rights: Justice Mishra

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India, organized a function to celebrate its 30th Foundation Day at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi today. The Commission was set up on this day in 1993. Addressing a function as the Chief Guest, the former President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind lauded the role of the NHRC in the promotion and protection of human rights and championing the rights of under-privileged and vulnerable sections of society over these 30 years. He said the Commission is an embodiment of India’s concern for the promotion and protection of human rights.

Shri Kovind said that India has a rich ancient tradition as reflected in its various scriptures for compassion towards humanity and non-violence. Fundamental to these teachings is the belief that every individual is born free and equal, possessing reason and conscience. The acts of terrorism and violence are against the basic principles of human rights. India has consistently upheld human rights and believes in peace by never initiating any war. It condemns violence and terrorism, in all forms and manifestations. This commitment is a testament to our cultural values of empathy and compassion, especially towards those in need, underscoring our dedication to the principles of human rights.

There is no higher calling for a society than the social empowerment of its most marginalized sector by ensuring human rights to them. This noble aspiration has now become a reality through the government's unwavering commitment, going the extra mile to ensure that the vulnerable are genuinely empowered. The government didn't just rely on administrative measures; it chose the path of legislation, to uplift those on the fringes. This legislative pursuit reflects a collective agreement, among the nation's most eminent lawmakers, underlining the government's unyielding determination to elevate the marginalized and vulnerable sections of society. The Indian government is committed to the idea of 'Leaving No One Behind.' This means making sure that everyone, especially vulnerable groups like women, children, and persons with disabilities (PwDs), is included and taken care of.

Shri Kovind drew attention to various welfare schemes addressing the basic needs of the people uplifting their living standards. He said that in India, the constitutional right to access clean drinking water can be drawn from the right to food, the right to a clean environment and the right to health, all of which have been protected under the broad heading of the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. In this direction, India has taken steps to ensure dignity and improve the quality of life for every citizen. The most significant gesture of dignity is the provision of sanitation facilities, particularly toilets.

He said that recently, India has further extended its presence and impact on the world stage during its G-20 Presidency. It facilitated discussions and initiatives aimed, at addressing climate-related challenges, promoting renewable energy sources, and enhancing environmental sustainability, all in the interest of human rights. Our effort to get the African Union included in the G20 as a full member shows that we believe and act on the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ i.e. – the whole world is one family.

Earlier, the NHRC Chairperson, Justice Shri Arun Mishra said that the objective of the celebration of Foundation Day is to remind us of our duty and to ponder upon the new challenges humanity faces. He said that in an ever-changing world, the enduring ancient Indian values of human rights, the ethos for compassion and ethical conduct remain a guiding light for a collective commitment and action to protect them. Violent extremism threatens human rights, international peace and security and sustainable development. It is crucial to increase international collaboration in this area to raise awareness about this. Human rights institutions, civil society organizations, human rights defenders and other stakeholders must join.

Referring to the reports of the increasing number of suicides by students, Justice Mishra said that the necessity of coaching is a matter of grave concern. The New Education Policy seeks to address several worrying features in our age-old system. At the same time, the urgent necessity is to consider how much burden should be put on the children in the school and students opting for competitive examinations. The education system has become too mechanical system and burdensome causing mental health issues among students. Considering the progress achieved, any discrimination in education policy should end, and education should be made compulsory at least till the graduation level.

Justice Mishra said that our emphasis should be on developing the original thinking capacity necessary for invention. India has a diversity of languages. Our education should be geared towards promoting literature in various Indian languages and enriching our culture.

The NHRC Chairperson also emphasized the problems being faced by the trafficked and enslaved girls and women without access to education, healthcare and benefits of the socio-economic welfare schemes. He said that their children are the worst sufferers, who are equally entitled to the protection of rights and social dignity. Likewise, he said that the rights and the challenges of LGBTQIA+ communities also need to be addressed. Keeping this in view, the Commission issued an Advisory last month for their welfare measures. These included, among others, treating their children at par with the unmarried daughters to receive pension and other benefits, inheritance in agricultural land and protection in education and employment.

In addition to this, the NHRC, India Chairperson also drew attention to several other new advisories issued by the Commission in the recent past to protect the rights of different segments of society relating to the welfare of truck drivers, mitigating impacts of climate change, protecting workers from hazardous cleaning of sewer and septic tanks, the welfare of victims of ocular trauma, preventing suicides of prisoners, and the latest for improving mental health care. He also said that quality health services for physical as well as mental well-being are a right of every human being. However, there is no rule for non-consensual medical treatment and experimentation.

Justice Mishra said that human rights include the right to vote and elect the Government. The State must ensure violence-free elections so that citizens enjoy fundamental democratic rights. To seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through media, is part of freedom of opinion and expression. Facebook, Twitter and TV debates often result in violation of human rights. The dignity and reputation of individuals suffer. The falling standard of media debates is the cause of concern. The responsibility of all concerned is to ensure that their imprint on the younger generation is not uncivil debate and dialogue.

Acknowledging the progress in digital technology and innovation, Justice Mishra, however, said that the legal framework has not kept pace with protecting people’s rights violations in cyberspace, relating to data privacy, e-commerce, banking fraud, business and international crime syndicates. The intermediaries need to be made accountable for posting offensive content.

Referring to a UN Report, the NHRC, India Chairperson said that alternative employment opportunities need to be ensured for the workers impacted due to the energy transition, which has to be done very carefully. The Commission is focusing on business and human rights so that efficiencies, productivity and human rights, all go hand in hand, and no one is left behind. Justice Mishra said that in the migration, there are problems of internal displacement, access to education and health. The human rights of some segments get compromised in society, who include beggars, Transgender, sex workers, orphans and trafficked minors. We must address the need for their documents to avail the benefit of various welfare schemes. I appeal to authorities to provide ‘Aadhar Cards’ to these people in mission mode.

The NHRC Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal in his welcome address said that with the celebration of the Foundation Day of the Commission, we are reminded of the pivotal role played by it in the promotion and protection of human rights during the 30 years of its existence. It had resolved over 22 lakh cases and recommended relief of Rs 230 crore to the victims of human rights violations during this period.

He also threw light on various activities of the Commission including the training programmes, camp sittings, visits of Special Rapporteurs and Special Monitors, various seminars and consultations, interventions for the cause of human rights.

The NHRC Members Dr. Dnaneshwar M. Mulay and Shri Rajiv Jain, Chairperson and Members of State Human Rights Commissions, members of Judiciary, diplomats, NHRC Special Rapporteur &, Monitors, senior officers, civil society representatives, human rights defenders, among other national and international dignitaries, attended the function.

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