Empower human rights bodies: Jakhar

Bhopal, July 15 (UNI) Stressing on the need for empowering Human Rights Commissions, Madhya Pradesh Governor Balram Jakhar today asked the state governments to take its recommendations seriously and take suitable steps accordingly.

''Empowered Human Rights Commission could effectively check violation of human rights,'' said Dr Jakhar, while addressing a national symposium on human rights organised by the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission.

Suggesting inclusion of lessons on human rights in education for its effective protection, he said education on human rights would help build a society, which is sensitive to human rights of each other.

Emphasising on the need for developing a support system for victims of human rights violation, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said while victims, who require emotional support, suffered silently, focus was on punishing the violators.

''Respect for human rights is a pre-requisite for establishing an egalitarian and peaceful society,'' he said.

Mr Chouhan stressed on the need for joint initiatives to check violation. He said Human Rights Commissions must come forward to protect the rights of communities along with human rights.

He added that the symposium's conclusion would help in evolving suitable strategies.

Former Chief Justice of India A M Ahmedi expressed regret for not including the recommendations of a committee headed by him for proposed amendment in the Protection of Human Rights Act. The workshop would reach a consensus on the proposed amendments.

Pointing out that human rights mentioned in the universal charter had already been enshrined in the Indian Constitution, he said a culture of respecting and protecting human rights needs to be evolved.

On the occasion, Justice Ahmedi, who is also the Chairman of the Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre, presented Rs one lakh cheque to Dr Jakhar on behalf of the hospital trust for Mumbai blast victims.

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