NHRC Launches ITEC Capacity-Building Programme on Human Rights for Senior NHRIs Officials in New Delhi
The six-day Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Executive Capacity Building Programme focused on human rights for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) of the Global South commenced today in New Delhi. Organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the program has attracted 43 senior representatives from 12 countries, including Mauritius, Jordan, and Nigeria. This initiative aims to enhance the institutional capacities of NHRIs while promoting global dialogue on human rights and fostering South-South cooperation.
Inauguration and Global Context
Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian, Chairperson of NHRC India, inaugurated the program and highlighted the pressing global issues of protests and political unrest. He referenced the Carnegie Global Protest Tracker Report, which documented over a hundred protests worldwide in the past year, driven by public anger over government actions and perceived corruption. Justice Ramasubramanian noted that in nations with strong human rights institutions, protests tend to remain peaceful, serving as a safety valve for public discontent. However, he pointed out that in some regions, these institutions are misperceived as anti-government entities, despite their role in advocating for the people.
Cultural Diversity and Human Rights
Justice Ramasubramanian also emphasized India’s rich cultural diversity, which encompasses various religions, languages, and traditions. He acknowledged that countries in the Global South possess unique experiences in addressing human rights challenges. The NHRC’s ITEC program aims to create a collaborative learning environment, reflecting the Vedic principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which translates to “the world is one family.” This ethos underlines the importance of unity in tackling human rights issues across different cultures.
Focus on Evolving Human Rights Issues
In his opening remarks, Shri Bharat Lal, Secretary General of NHRC India, stressed that human rights are dynamic and continually evolving. He highlighted India’s historical commitment to sharing knowledge for the betterment of humanity. The training program is designed to facilitate mutual learning on various pressing issues faced by the Global South, including energy security, climate change, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Lal called for collective action among Global South nations to enhance socio-economic and human development, aiming for the well-being of all.
Program Structure and Expert Insights
Shri Samir Kumar, Joint Secretary of NHRC, welcomed the participants and outlined the program’s structure, which includes interactive sessions led by distinguished national and international experts. These sessions will provide valuable insights into the multifaceted aspects of human rights, along with cultural and historical perspectives. The capacity-building initiative is expected to foster a deeper understanding of human rights issues and encourage collaboration among the participating nations. Smt. Saidingpui Chhakchhuak, also a Joint Secretary at NHRC, delivered the vote of thanks, marking the beginning of an enriching learning experience for all attendees.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
