India Launches Human Rights Capacity Building Program
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of External Affairs, has inaugurated a six-day Capacity Building Programme focused on human rights for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from the Global South. The event, which commenced today in New Delhi, has attracted 47 participants from 14 countries, including Madagascar, Uganda, and Nigeria, among others. This initiative aims to foster dialogue and share best practices in addressing human rights challenges across diverse cultural contexts.
Inaugural Address Highlights Cultural Diversity
Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Chairperson of NHRC, delivered the inaugural address, emphasizing India’s rich cultural diversity and the unique challenges it presents in addressing human rights issues. He noted that while the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides a framework, each country must navigate its socio-cultural, political, and economic realities. Justice Ramasubramanian stressed that solutions cannot be one-size-fits-all, urging participants to explore tailored approaches that respect local contexts while adhering to universal human rights standards.
He expressed gratitude to the senior officials from the NHRIs of the Global South for their participation, highlighting the importance of sharing cultural values and human rights practices. This exchange, he believes, is crucial for developing effective strategies to tackle emerging human rights challenges.
Contextualizing Human Rights Principles
Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, a member of NHRC, underscored the Commission’s pivotal role in shaping India’s human rights landscape through various initiatives. He contrasted India’s balanced approach to human rights, which values both individual and collective rights, with Western models that prioritize individual freedoms. Dr. Sarangi emphasized the importance of contextualizing human rights principles within national realities while remaining committed to universal values of dignity, justice, and equality.
He encouraged participants to leverage the ITEC program to enhance their knowledge and skills, reinforcing the need for a nuanced understanding of human rights that reflects the complexities of each nation’s circumstances.
Focus on Key Human Rights Issues
Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, another member of NHRC, highlighted the significance of collective wisdom in enhancing human rights protection across nations. She pointed out that the NHRC is focusing on critical thematic issues, including women’s rights, gender equality, and the protection of marginalized communities. Sayani emphasized the need to adapt to the evolving global human rights landscape, advocating for collaborative efforts to safeguard vulnerable populations amidst development and displacement challenges.
Shri Bharat Lal, Secretary General of NHRC, reiterated India’s commitment to sharing its knowledge and wisdom for the greater good. He noted that the NHRC operates within a federal structure, comprising 27 State Human Rights Commissions, and is dedicated to enforcing human rights across various societal segments. The program aims to facilitate learning and exchange among participants, fostering a deeper understanding of human rights enforcement.
Program Structure and Expert Contributions
The capacity-building program will feature multiple sessions led by eminent experts, addressing various aspects of human rights from both national and international perspectives. Senior officials from NHRC and the Ministry of External Affairs were present at the inauguration, reflecting the collaborative spirit of this initiative. The program is designed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to address human rights challenges effectively within their respective countries.
As the program unfolds, it promises to be a significant platform for dialogue and learning, contributing to the global discourse on human rights and fostering a more equitable world.
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