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Interview With Justice CyriacHuman rights violation

including Uttar Pradesh andrights. During the last year,Human Rights Commissionthese, it has disposed 95,56315,02,398 cases.

Anju Grover for Indian

Cyriac Joseph on the constantreasons and suggestive measures

IC: NHRC has now completed

NHRC in today’s context?

Cyriac Joseph : The functiorights. During the last 22human rights institutionscomplaints NHRC has receivedproves that NHRC’s role hasthat violation of human rights

IC: Which are the areas

rights violation? I can’t give you the statistics

custody, custodial torture NHRC has been handling either in police station or inhuman treatment of prisoners,

Cyriac Joseph violation cases are rising in India by the year.

and Haryana have poor scores on ensuringyear, from October 2014 to October 2015,

Commission (NHRC) has registered 1,15,896 cases95,563 cases. Since its inception, NHRC has

Currents spoke to NHRC acting Chairpersonconstant rise in cases of human right measures to check violation of human rights

completed 22 years. How do you seecontext?

function of NHRC is to promote and protect22 years, the awareness about human

institutions has increased. It is evident from thereceived and is still receiving for redressal

has become all the more important. It isrights is increasing in India.

areas reporting more number of cases

statistics but human rights violations relate and even Right to good governance. Types include illegal custody of people, custodial prisons, ill-treatment of people seeking

prisoners, lack of convenience in police

Several states ensuring human

2015, the National cases and out of

has registered

Chairperson Justice violations, its

rights in India.

see the role of

protect human human rights and

the number of redressal purpose. It

is unfortunate

cases of human

relate to illegal Types of cases,

custodial torture seeking police help,

lock ups and

prisons. NHRC is also handling complaints relating to public distribution system (PDS), food scarcity, shelter, healthcare and corruption; where people are denied of statutory benefits under different legislations. Refugee is a problem in North East area in particular besides, migration both internal and external. Internal migration is a problem. For instance, Kerala alone has 20 lakh migrant labourers.

IC: The Dadri lynching has shaken the entire country. Is it not a

violation of human right to dictate somebody what to eat and what not to eat?

What happened in Dadri was alleged to be on account of suspicion. There can be no dispute on this point that in a democratic country where rule of law prevails, nobody can dictate anyone to eat a particular type of food. It is not justified. It was a serious violation of human rights. NHRC has issued notice on the issue to the concerned authorities.

IC: A family of four, reportedly belonging to the minority community,

were recently forced to leave a cinema hall in the Kurla area of Mumbai after other spectators objected to them not standing up when the national anthem was being played just before the movie’s screening. Was it right

on the part of people to force this family to leave for not standing up on national anthem?

There is a Supreme Court judgement Bijoe Emmanuel & Ors vs State Of Kerala & Ors on 11 August, 1986. The appellants-three children belonged to a sect called Jehovah's Witnesses who worship only Jehovah-the Creator and none other. They refused to sing the National Anthem: 'Jana Gana Mana’ because, according to them, it was against the tenets of their religious faith - not the words or the thoughts of the National Anthem - but the singing of it. They desisted from actual singing only because of their aforesaid honest belief and conviction but they used to stand up in respectful silence daily during the morning assembly when the National Anthem was sung. The SC in this case had stated that one can’t be compelled to sing a national anthem, if one has an objection on the basis of one’s faith. But s/he should respect national anthem and stand up, s/he need not sing.

It is to be seen if this family in Mumbai theatre was respecting or

disrespecting national anthem. If it was disrespecting national anthem while sitting, then it is objectionable. Nobody has a right to disrespect national anthem. But at the same time, one can’t be compelled to stand in a theatre.

IC: In Nirbhaya case, juvenile convict is about to be released on

completion of his punishment. Several activists are up in arms against his release. WCD minister Maneka Gandhi has spoken about monitoring him after the release. Do you think it is justified?

Nirbhaya’s parents gave me a representation requesting for NHRC’s intervention in this matter. Their apprehension was that after the release,

juvenile convict may create troubles for other women. Therefore his movement should be monitored. I have issued notice to the home ministry and Delhi Police Commissioner asking them to tell how to safeguard the people and protect human right of this juvenile convict as well. Meanwhile, a group of activists have stated that keeping in account of Juvenile justice law, nothing should be done in violation of human rights of juvenile convict. This group has sought a time for meeting. I will meet them to hear their viewpoint as well and then decide. Let me tell you that NHRC is not for publicity or creating sensation in the society. We will take a practical approach. NHRC always has taken a balanced view and however its credibility remains intact. People have faith in NHRC and it is reflected in the number of complaints it receives from all over the country.

IC: Stigma, the dearth of appropriate government community-based

services, and a lack of awareness about disability and available services

among family members and individuals with disabilities make those with psychosocial or intellectual disabilities especially vulnerable. What,

according to you, can NHRC do in this regard? It is unfortunate that laws are made and not implemented properly. It

happens in the case of disability laws as well. NHRC is sensitive towards disabled and their rights as awareness and training programmes are being conducted all over the country to protect human rights of disabled. We have now appointed a Special Rapporteur for disability to coordinate activities in the field of disability. Special Rapporteur P K Pincha himself is visually impaired and has worked with the government of India. He will assume office very soon.

IC: Successive Indian governments have told the world proudly of the

country’s vibrant civil society. But in recent years, there has been an

alarming change back home. Several NGOs have been denied access to foreign financial support, while many are facing accusations of financial impropriety or violating regulatory laws. Your comments.

You can’t claim any immunity from legal action just because you are an activist or run an NGO or media person. Nobody is above law. So no NGO or social activist can be above law. If legal action is initiated against a person in accordance with law, that person can use legal remedy. But in situations where if a journalist who has done genuine work to expose any wrongdoing in the government, becomes target of government’s attack, then NHRC can come to his/her rescue and not otherwise.

IC: Your message for people of India on human rights day. People in the government and outside should realize that right to good

governance is a human right. Human right is not confined to illegal custody or custodial torture but has a wider meaning. Also protection and promotion of human rights is a constitutional obligation of the state. Simultaneously, citizens have a fundamental duty to protect human rights.

Enforce NHRC recommendations in certain cases Posted at: Dec 11 2015 12:58AM

Chief Justice of India TS Thakur today suggested that the government should redress the grievances of the premier National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that its recommendations were merely recommendatory in nature and were not enforceable. He expressed concerns that some states had yet not constituted their Human Rights Commissions. Speaking at a function organised by the NHRC to commemorate Human Rights Day, the CJI also suggested that some criminal offences committed against the vulnerable sections such as women, children, SCs/STs should be prosecuted from human rights angle in the district courts so that their trials could be fast tracked. Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju was also present as Guest of Honour at the function. He is the Minister incharge of NHRC. Taking note of the reference made by the acting Chairperson of NHRC Justice Cyriac Joseph that the Commission's recommendations were not enforceable, the CJI suggested a via media approach on the issue. He said that some recommendations should be made enforceable. To this effect he was appreciative of Rijiju, who had earlier reacted to the issue saying he too was concerned about it.

Also, the CJI suggested that with regard to the Commission's recommendations for compensations, the least that the government "reasoned order" for rejecting them. While assuring the NHRC that the Judiciary will continue to take note of any deficiency with regard to protection of human rights, the CJI cited American law, "Right to Equality of opportunity comprehensive outlook, and as abiding touchstone to measure human rights culture.

NHRC celebrates Human Rights Day today A dignified human life is the core aspiration of every human being: Shri Kiren RijijuDecember 10, 2015 Last Updated at 00:20 IST

NHRC

A dignified human life is the core aspiration of every human being: Shri Kiren Rijiju

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) celebrated the Human Rights Day here today. The Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10th December every year to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted and proclaimed by the General AssemNations in 1948 as the common standard of achievement for mankind.

This year, the Human Rights day is devoted to the launch of a yearcampaign marking the 50th Anniversary of the two International Covenants on Human Rights: The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These Covenants were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on the 16th December, 1966. The slogan for this years Human Rights Rights..Our FreedomsAlways that aims to promote and raise awareness about these covenants.

Addressing on the occasion, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju said that a dignified human life is the core aspiration of every human being. The State must secure that basic human right of every individual which is related to right to life, liberty, equality with dignity. He also said that

Also, the CJI suggested that with regard to the Commission's recommendations for compensations, the least that the government could do was to pass a "reasoned order" for rejecting them.

While assuring the NHRC that the Judiciary will continue to take note of any deficiency with regard to protection of human rights, the CJI cited American law, "Right to Equality of opportunity in pursuit of happiness" for a comprehensive outlook, and as abiding touchstone to measure human rights

NHRC celebrates Human Rights Day today A dignified human life is the core aspiration of every human being: Shri Kiren Rijiju

2015 Last Updated at 00:20 IST

NHRC celebrates Human Rights Day today

A dignified human life is the core aspiration of every human being: Shri Kiren Rijiju

Human Rights Commission (NHRC) celebrated the Human Rights Day here today. The Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10th December every year to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted and proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948 as the common standard of achievement for mankind.

This year, the Human Rights day is devoted to the launch of a yearcampaign marking the 50th Anniversary of the two International Covenants on

rnational Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These Covenants were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on the 16th December, 1966. The slogan for this years Human Rights Rights..Our FreedomsAlways that aims to promote and raise awareness about

Addressing on the occasion, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren said that a dignified human life is the core aspiration of every human

being. The State must secure that basic human right of every individual which is related to right to life, liberty, equality with dignity. He also said that

Also, the CJI suggested that with regard to the Commission's recommendations could do was to pass a

While assuring the NHRC that the Judiciary will continue to take note of any deficiency with regard to protection of human rights, the CJI cited American

in pursuit of happiness" for a comprehensive outlook, and as abiding touchstone to measure human rights

NHRC celebrates Human Rights Day today A dignified human life is the core aspiration of every human being: Shri Kiren Rijiju

A dignified human life is the core aspiration of every human being: Shri Kiren Rijiju

Human Rights Commission (NHRC) celebrated the Human Rights Day here today. The Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10th December every year to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR),

bly of the United Nations in 1948 as the common standard of achievement for mankind.

This year, the Human Rights day is devoted to the launch of a year-long campaign marking the 50th Anniversary of the two International Covenants on

rnational Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These Covenants were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on the 16th December, 1966. The slogan for this years Human Rights day is Our Rights..Our FreedomsAlways that aims to promote and raise awareness about

Addressing on the occasion, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren said that a dignified human life is the core aspiration of every human

being. The State must secure that basic human right of every individual which is related to right to life, liberty, equality with dignity. He also said that

International Human Rights Day marks an important milestone in the realization of human rights for all citizens of the world.

Shri Rijiju also said that India has been unequivocal in its commitment to the preservation and protection of human rights globally as well as within the country. It is party to several of the core international human rights conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, 1966, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, 1979, Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989, and the Conventions on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2007.

The MoS Home also said that the National Human Rights Commission has developed a wide range of innovative mechanisms, including its Camp Sittings, Open Hearings and the Commissions flagship 28-district programme, whereby the Commission gets a first-hand account of the ground reality and also works closely with district and state authorities towards an improvement of basic services to the people and more effective implementation of the governments socio-economic programmes, legislations etc.

The Minister said that, to address the various challenges that confront our society, Parliamentarians will have to ensure adherence to human rights standards in all activities, programmes and policies of the government of the day. They have a particularly crucial role to play in ensuring that in all domestic legislation (proposed or existing), a human rights perspective is incorporated, so that no legislation ends up working at cross purposes with the countrys commitment to protect and promote the rights of the citizens.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Justice of India, Shri Justice T. S. Thakur said that whenever we talk about human rights, we talk about the rights inherent in human beings. Recalling the historical development of human rights, he said that the human rights were first time globally recognised in the year 1948. He said that the arena of human rights is never static and always challenging. The Indian Judiciary is well equipped to deal with these challenges, he added. He also said that the Supreme Court has given six months time to constitute Human Rights Commission in the States which are not having the Commission at present. He also suggested that a Special Human Rights Court should be set up in each district to address the human rights issues.

Shri Justice Cyriac Joseph, Acting Chairperson of NHRC and other members were also present on the occasion.

International Human Rights Day: NHRC to organise event in Delhi

09 December, 2015

In India, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is going to organize a function in New Delhi on the 10th December, 2015 to mark the International Human Rights Day along with screening of short films on human rights and an exhibition to highlight the achievements of NHRC. Justice T.S. Thakur, Chief Justice of India; Kiren Rijuju, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, and Justice Cyrac Joseph, Acting Chairperson, NHRC will address the audience at the function. Earlier, NHRC had organised a painting competition for differently-abled, visually impaired and specially challenged children. At the function in New Delhi, the winners of the competition will be given awards. Three best short films on human rights will be awarded and recent publications of NHRC spreading awareness on human rights will be released. It may be recalled that NHRC was established on 12th October, 1993 as a recommendatory body to promote awareness about and safeguard human rights in India.

Curtain Raiser: Human Rights Day 2015 The Hans India | Dec 08,2015 , 12:04 PM IST

Human Rights Day is celebrated on the 10th December every year to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted and proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948 as the common standard of

achievement for mankind. The Declaration recognizes that the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family are the foundation of justice, freedom and peace in the world. It reaffirms the faith of the people of United

Nations in the fundamental human rights.

This year’s Human Rights Day is devoted to the launch of a year-long campaign marking the 50th Anniversary of the two International Covenants on Human Rights: The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These Covenants were adopted by the United Nations’ General Assembly on the 16th December, 1966. The slogan of this year's Human Rights Day - 'Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always' aims to promote and

raise awareness about these Covenants.

The National Human Rights Commission, India has organised a series of events in run up to the celebration of Human Rights Day culminating into a function in New Delhi on the 10th December, 2015. For the first time, a festival of short films on human rights

will be the part of the function.

Mr. Justice T.S. Thakur, Chief Justice of India and Mr. Kiren Rijuju, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Government of India will address the gathering as the Chief Guest and as the Guest of Honour respectively. Mr. Justice Cyriac Joseph, Acting Chairperson, NHRC

will give the Presidential Address.

The Commission organised a painting competition for visually impaired and specially challenged children. The winners will be given awards on Human Rights Day.

The Commission, for the first time, launched a national Award Scheme of competition for short films on human rights in all Indian languages and English to recognize creative

efforts in the field of promotion and protection of human rights. The award carries three prizes of Rs.1 lakh, Rs.75 thousand and Rs.50 thousand respectively. The three winners, selected by an eminent Jury will be awarded on Human Rights Day

function. Their films, along with 15 other short films will be part of the film festival.

The children paintings will be displayed at an exhibition at the venue of the function, which will also showcase the journey of the Commission through photographs of its various events and activities towards protection and promotion of human rights since

the last Human Rights Day. Besides this, some NHRC publications spreading awareness on human rights will be released.

During the last 22 years, since its inception on the 12th October, 1993, the Commission has endeavoured to promote a culture of human rights. Despite being a

recommendatory body, as per the Protection of Human Rights Act, most of the recommendations of the Commission have been accepted by the Governments. The trust and confidence of the people, which it has earned in the process, reflects in

substantial measure in the number of complaints it has been receiving each year.

The Commission disposed of 14,84,589 cases till the 6th December, 2015 out of 15,32,042 cases registered by it either suo motu or on complaints or on intimation by the prison and police authorities. It recommended monetary relief of

Rs.1,02,20,94,671/- in 4328 cases out of which Rs.74,52,28,499/- were paid in 3649 cases till the 6th December, 2015. The Commission’s functions also include reviewing safeguards provided under the

Constitution or any Law, make recommendations for effective implementation of International Conventions/Covenants, undertake research and organise seminars and discussion programmes on human rights issues, spread human rights awareness and

encourage efforts of non-governmental organisations.

It has also been organising Camp Sittings for disposal of pending cases and Open Hearings of complaints of atrocities against Scheduled Castes in different parts of the country for redressal of their problems. It has also been visiting, State-wise, different

districts, with a view to spread human rights awareness and also to make an assessment of enforcement of various measures related to human rights and implementation of welfare schemes.

It has made a number of interventions on key issues of human rights, which include,

among others, issues of bonded and child labour, prison reforms, right to health, mental healthcare, rights of persons with disability, silicosis, illegal clinical drug trials, pesticides in food items, pricing of drugs, corporate-social responsibility, manual

scavenging and sanitation, human rights of women.

In order to spread awareness about human rights and its activities, the Commission, apart from publication of monthly Newsletter in Hindi and English, has published more than 79 books and journals. Apart from the Centre and the State Governments, several

organisations, NGOs and media have actively supported the NHRC for achieving its goals. For the first time, India’s Public Service Broadcaster – Doordarshan will live telecast the proceedings of the function.