NHRC constitute Core Group for NGOs

The National Human Rights Commission has constituted a Core Group to serve as a monitoring mechanism for its consultations with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) engaged in the field of Human Rights.

Under Section 12(1) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the Commission is to encourage the efforts of the NGOs. Accordingly, with a view to utilize the knowledge, experience and expertise of credible NGOs working in the field of Human Rights, the Commission has decided to have consultations with the NGOs on a regional basis and, thereafter, work in partnership with selected NGOs with good track records to jointly take up issues concerning human rights and spread of awareness and human rights literacy amongst people in different parts of the country.

The Core Group has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Shri Chaman Lal, Special Rapporteur, NHRC. The other NGO representatives who are Members of the Core Group are: Smt. Aruna Roy, Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, Shri Henri Tiphagne, People’s Watch, Tamil Nadu, Shri Harsh Mander, Action Aid India, Shri Javed Abidi, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People, Shri Ravi Nair, South Asian Human Rights Documentation Centre, Dr. Y.P. Chhibbar, People’s Union for Civil Liberties, Ms. Meera Shiva, Voluntary Association of India, Shri Ashok Rawat, Helpage India and Ms. Federica Donati, UNICEF.

The Core Group shall identify the NGOs engaged in the field of human rights with good track record for the purpose of consultation and interaction with the Commission on a regular basis. It will build up a database of NGOs and also identify broad areas of cooperation between the Commission and selected NGOs from different regions. The Core Group will identify important human rights issues, which could be jointly taken up with the NGOs after considering the suggestions/proposals received from them. The Core Group shall submit its reports to the Commission from time to time along with its recommendations.

The Commission has also designated its Joint Secretary as the Nodal Officer for coordinating with the NGOs.