NHRC observes Human Rights Day Chairperson calls for action to realise human rights for all

The 52nd Human Rights Day was observed by the National Human Rights Commission today in New Delhi. Justice J.S. Verma, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, in his address said that human rights violations result basically from inequalities, which exists within the nation and worldwide. The remedy to this is transparency in the workings of public functionaries. In a democratic government people are the sovereign, the political sovereignty of the mass must be given due respect. Human Rights for all have been the ethos of Indian culture through out the ages. What is required is, action to realize these human rights.

The Chairperson observed that the primary obligation of protection and promotion of human rights in the country is that of the Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission is complementary to it, so that together a difference could be made. But even these two institutions are not enough and the society has to be involved. Not only the violations of human rights must be taken care of, preventions are of such violations equally if not more important. The informal structure of non-governmental organizations, professionals in the medical and legal fields, distinguished persons who are ready to work for the society, should be brought together and only they could make a significant difference.

In a democracy, Justice Verma said, participatory role in governments can be realized only if right to information exists so that the public can make an informed choice. Denial of empowerment to sections of society is a denial of these basic human rights. Human development and human rights are intrinsically linked and human development is not possible without their empowerment. Article 19 of the Indian Constitution guarantees to all the right to information, it is only that the necessary restrictions must be imposed for the proper realization of this right.

The Guest of Honour of the occasion, and Magasaysay Award winner, Ms. Aruna Roy, said that in a poor country where there are basic inequalities in distribution of wealth and opportunities, the need that people get their rights is very important. "Human Rights is a very lonely battle and Delhi is very far from where actual violations and atrocities take place". In a country like India, political and social rights should go hand-in-hand with social and economic rights. Speaking about the minimum wages, she said that this was an important aspect of economic rights but there was very little awareness amongst masses about this right. The most unfortunate part of it was that many State Governments still do not ensure payment of minimum wages despite the Supreme Court directions in this regard. Authorities find loopholes to get around these directions and thus this right remains a dream for most and especially the backward. For the poor to have control of their economic and political rights, the right to information was absolutely vital. There should be transparency in the functioning of public authorities only then will accountability be assured. She stressed that face of the Government must change – it must be a people’s government where human rights are enshrined.

Condemning the recent attacks of violation on human rights activists, she said that human rights must be seen in the collective and the National Human Rights Commission should ensure that the good work being done by such activists and organizations are not undermined by the authorities of governments who would like their selfish interests protected. She insisted that there should be strong penalties for the violators of human rights and called for the scrapping of provisions of immunity for security personnel, even those working in combat areas.

The message of the UN Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan, was read out on the occasion by Mr. Feodor Starcevic, Director, United Nations Information Centre. The UN Secretary General called for all nations to develop effective national strategies for human rights education. This was necessary because the more people get to know of about their own rights, the more they respect those of others and the better will be the chance that they will live together in peace. "Only when people are educated about human rights can be hope to prevent human rights violations, and thus prevent conflict as well".

Dr. H Sudarshan, who was the Chief Guest of the function also addressed the gathering and spoke about the human rights especially of those of the under-privileged.

The Chairperson released two books on the occasion. One was a "Handbook on human Rights for Judicial Officers", which covers important issues that the trial court judges/magistrates deal with in their everyday functioning and provides useful and coherent information that can enhance the human rights friendly quality of their perspective. It was a part of the project undertaken by the National Institute of Human Rights at the proposition of the NHRC. It was done under the financial assistance of the Australian Grants Scheme. The Handbook on Human Rights for Judicial Officers was presented to the Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Bryce Hutchesson who was also present on the occasion.

The other book is a compilation of the important instructions/guidelines that have been issued by the Commission from inception till date. The Hindi translation of the" International Bill of Human Rights" and "UN Briefing Papers/Human Rights Today", were also released.