NHRC Chairperson Calls for Collective Action to Eradicate Torture

NHRC chairperson Justice Arun Kumar Mishra emphasizes the need for collective action to make societies more humane and civil, and eradicate the menace of torture. He also calls for a shift in jurisprudence towards restitution, reparation, and compensation.

In a recent meeting, Justice (retd) Arun Kumar Mishra, chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), underscored the importance of collective efforts by human rights institutions in making societies more humane and civil. He emphasized on the need to eradicate torture and ill-treatment, which predominantly affect poor and vulnerable individuals.

Justice Mishra stressed on the necessity for a shift from retributive jurisprudence to restitution, reparation, and compensation to provide justice to victims of torture. He expressed these views at the concluding session of the 14th International Conference of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) held in Copenhagen. The conference was themed "Torture and other ill-treatment: The Role of NHRIs" and organised by Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

State Responsibility & Accountability

The NHRC chief highlighted that protecting rule of law is primarily a state responsibility involving its core institutions. He condemned impunity promoting torture or ill-treatment while emphasizing holding authorities accountable for their obligations to prevent such practices. According to him, effective addressing requires non-negotiable prosecution of perpetrators along with disciplinary action.

Preventive Mechanisms & Modern Investigation Methods

Mishra also suggested preventive mechanisms coupled with continuous monitoring as crucial for systematic improvement in detention centres, prisons etc. Stressing international collaboration for sharing best practices against physical and mental torture forms, he called for modernization in police investigation methods.

Sensitization & Transparency

He pointed out slow complaint handling and criminal justice system delays as exacerbating issues. To counter this problem, he recommended sensitizing judicial officers, senior police officials, law enforcement agencies towards individual's torture and ill-treatment. Transparency in police actions and detention places is vital, he added, suggesting the use of modern technology for monitoring and detecting violations.

Collective Action

In conclusion, Justice Mishra called upon NHRIs, judiciary, supervisory authorities to act alongside state machinery, civil society and human rights defenders in addressing this critical issue. He reiterated that collective efforts are necessary to make societies more humane and civil while eradicating the menace of torture.

This call to action by Justice Mishra underscores the urgent need for systemic changes at multiple levels - from law enforcement agencies to judicial bodies - towards creating a more just society that respects human rights and dignity.