NHRC holds workshop on Human Rights Defender to mark its Foundation Day

New Delhi, Oct.12 (ANI): National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) organized a day-long workshop on Human Rights Defender to mark its foundation day in the national capital on Monday.

Addressing the inaugural session as the Chief Guest, former Chief Justice of India and former Chairperson of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Dr. Justice A.S. Anand on Monday appreciated the defenders of human rights for playing a major role in promotion and protection of human rights worldwide despite suffering persecution and prosecution by the authorities.

Anand, however, said: "In India, the National Human Rights Commission has played a positive role in protecting the defenders of human rights."

Emphasizing that the human rights are inclusive of social, economic and cultural rights, Justice Anand called upon the people to come forward and respond to the necessity of protecting human rights.

"Development with social justice cannot be achieved in the absence of respect for human rights. There has to be an enabling environment - legal, political, economic and social - sensitive in the local context for realisation of right to development, said Justice G.P. Mathur, acting Chairman of NHRC.

Stating the extent of human rights violations across the country is of great concern to every civilized member of society, Justice Mathur said: "There is a need for every individual to become an active human rights activist to ensure that the fundamental rights guaranteed by our constitution are not taken away illegally from the people."

Describing the Foundation Day of the Commission as a historic day, Justice Mathur said the Commission continues to imbibe and promote the values of humanity in an environment where there is sense of responsibility without any fear and discrimination of any kind to set an example for others.

Over the years the growing number of complaints of human rights violation each year, since the inception of the Commission, shows the trust reposed in it by the people of the country, Justice Mathur added.

Prominent speakers at the workshop, comprising representatives of human rights defenders, jurists and Member of the Commission, talked about various issues concerning today's society on the occasion.

The eminent participants gave their valuable suggestions at the conclusion of the day-long discussions on the role, responsibilities and obligations of the human rights defenders and the State. (ANI)