Accountability and Civilian Protection: Reflections on the Recent OHCHR Report

 

Accountability and Civilian Protection: Reflections on the Recent OHCHR Report

The People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) has received a communication from the Embassy of the State of Palestine to the Republic of India regarding the latest report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), presented before the UN Human Rights Council at its sixty-first session.

The report, titled “Situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem” (A/HRC/61/26), covers the period from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025 and presents a detailed and grave assessment of the situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territory.

Key Findings of the OHCHR Report

According to the report, serious concerns have been raised under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Among its central findings:

• Large-scale killings of civilians, including women and children

• Extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure, including homes, medical facilities, schools, and places of worship

• Living conditions that threaten the survival of the civilian population

The report also raises alarm regarding the forced displacement of Palestinians. It notes that displacement combined with the absence of guarantees for safe and voluntary return presents credible risks of forcible transfer and ethnic cleansing.

Furthermore, restrictions on humanitarian assistance, destruction of essential services, and denial of access to food, water, and medical care may amount to the use of starvation as a method of warfare — a practice strictly prohibited under international law.

The Imperative of Accountability

The OHCHR underscores that the obligation to protect civilians applies at all times. Military necessity cannot justify collective punishment or disproportionate actions against civilian populations.

The report highlights the persistent absence of accountability for serious violations and warns that continued impunity risks undermining the international legal order and eroding the protection framework established after the Second World War.

PVCHR’s Position

As a human rights organization committed to justice, dignity, and the protection of fundamental freedoms, PVCHR reiterates that civilian protection, accountability, and adherence to international law are universal obligations.

PVCHR remains committed to engaging with national and international human rights mechanisms, civil society partners, and stakeholders to promote peace, justice, and human dignity.

Issued by:
People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)
Varanasi, India
February 2026

Together in Struggle, Together in Hope: A Life of Partnership, Justice, and the Moral Imperative of Social Responsibility

 Together in Struggle, Together in Hope: A Life of Partnership, Justice, and the Moral Imperative of Social Responsibility

Honoured at the TOI National CSR Summit 2026 in the distinguished presence of the Hon’ble Vice-President of India, this moment was not just recognition of work — but a reflection of decades of shared struggle, partnership, and commitment to justice.

From our journey through Jan Mitra Nyas and PVCHR, to grassroots work for marginalized communities, women’s empowerment, and human dignity — this recognition reaffirms our belief that social transformation must be rooted in compassion, accountability, and collective responsibility.

Receiving the honour together on our marriage anniversary made it deeply personal — a celebration of partnership in life and in the pursuit of justice.

Grateful to all who walk this path with us. The journey continues.

👉 Read the full OPED here:

https://medium.com/@lenin_75290/together-in-struggle-together-in-hope-a-life-of-partnership-justice-and-the-moral-imperative-of-93d14ff099b3

Together in life. Together in struggle. Together in hope.

#SocialJustice #CSR #HumanRights #ViksitBharat #GrassrootsLeadership #PVCHR #JanMitraNyas #WomenEmpowerment #InclusiveDevelopment #UnsungHeroes #Partnership

PVCHR Raises Child Rights Concerns: Complaints Filed Before NCPCR Over Violence Against Students in Uttar Pradesh

 The People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) has raised serious concerns over incidents of violence against school children in Uttar Pradesh by filing complaints before the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). The complaints seek urgent intervention, independent inquiry, and protection of children’s right to education and safety.

Complaint on Assault of Class 10 Student in Varanasi

PVCHR Founder Lenin Raghuvanshi filed a complaint regarding an incident reported from Shri Sai Baba Inter College in Rustampur, Chaubepur (Varanasi), where a Class 10 student was allegedly assaulted by a teacher during a pre-board examination.

According to the complaint, the student sustained serious injuries, and medical examination confirmed that his left eardrum was ruptured due to the beating. The victim’s family approached the local police seeking action, but it was alleged that the school administration failed to take appropriate measures. The complaint also mentioned that the teacher allegedly threatened to damage the student’s academic record.

The case was registered on the NCPCR e-Baal Nidan portal and accepted for consideration.

Subsequently, the NCPCR issued a notice under Section 13 of the CPCR Act, 2005, to the District Magistrate, Varanasi, directing appropriate action and calling for a report within a stipulated time.

PVCHR has urged authorities to conduct a fair investigation, ensure justice to the victim, and provide compensation while safeguarding the child’s right to education and dignity.

Complaint on Corporal Punishment of Class 2 Student in Gonda

In another case highlighting the continuing problem of corporal punishment, PVCHR filed a complaint regarding a Class 2 student in a private school in Karnailganj, Gonda district. The complaint alleged that a teacher beat the child 105 times for not completing homework, resulting in severe physical injuries to the child’s legs and body.

Following the incident, the family sought medical treatment, and police reportedly registered a case against the accused teacher. The school administration dismissed the teacher, and local education authorities initiated an inquiry. PVCHR demanded justice, compensation, and free medical treatment for the victim while calling for stronger safeguards to prevent such violations in educational institutions.

The complaint was formally registered with the NCPCR, which issued a notice to the district authorities in Gonda seeking immediate investigation and action to ensure the safety and protection of children.

PVCHR’s Concern on Child Protection and Right to Education

PVCHR emphasized that these incidents reflect ongoing challenges in ensuring safe learning environments for children. Violence, intimidation, and corporal punishment in schools violate fundamental child rights guaranteed under the Right to Education Act, 2009, and relevant child protection laws.

The organization has called for:

• Strict action against those responsible for violence against children

• Institutional accountability of schools and authorities

• Compensation and rehabilitation for victims

• Strengthening mechanisms to prevent corporal punishment

• Ensuring safe and inclusive educational environments

Way Forward

PVCHR continues to monitor both cases and advocates for timely action by the authorities. The organization stresses that protecting children from violence in educational institutions is essential for upholding human dignity, equality, and the constitutional right to education.

PVCHR reiterates its commitment to promoting child rights, ensuring justice for victims, and strengthening accountability mechanisms to prevent such violations in the future.

—
People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) works to defend human dignity, protect vulnerable communities, and promote justice through advocacy, monitoring, and legal intervention.

🚨 New Op-Ed | Front-of-Pack Food Warnings in India: A Test Case for the Global Right to Health

  🚨 New Op-Ed | Front-of-Pack Food Warnings in India: A Test Case for the Global Right to Health

Across the world, ultra-processed foods are fueling a silent public health crisis. In India, the rising burden of non-communicable diseases demands urgent, preventive action — and transparent front-of-pack warning labels can be a transformative step toward protecting the right to health.

My latest Op-Ed examines how India stands at a pivotal moment. With ongoing proceedings before the National Human Rights Commission (Case No. 4227/90/0/2021) and the Supreme Court emphasizing the need to prioritize citizens’ health, the country has a historic opportunity not just to follow global standards — but to leapfrog into leadership.

India’s decision will influence global food governance, strengthen consumer rights, and help build healthier futures for millions, especially children and vulnerable communities.

The world does not need another hesitant regulator.

It needs a champion — and India can be that champion.

🔗 Read the full Op-Ed here:

https://medium.com/@lenin_75290/front-of-pack-food-warnings-in-india-a-test-case-for-the-global-right-to-health-ef003c4afe81

बनारस की बेटी श्रुति नागवंशी : नारी शक्ति की वह रौशनी जो अंधेरों से लड़ती रही

बनारस की बेटी श्रुति नागवंशी : नारी शक्ति की वह रौशनी जो अंधेरों से लड़ती रही

@विजय विनीत*

बनारस…जहां गंगा सिर्फ़ नदी नहीं, चेतना है। जहां घाटों की सीढ़ियां इतिहास से बातें करती हैं और हर गली में कोई न कोई कथा सांस लेती है। इसी बनारस की मिट्टी में जन्मी एक बेटी श्रुति नागवंशी जिसने अपने जीवन को केवल अपना नहीं रहने दिया, बल्कि उसे उन आवाज़ों के नाम कर दिया जो सदियों से दबाई जाती रही हैं। https://jhumritalaiya.com/shruti-nagvanshi-daughter-of-banaras/

बनारस की बेटी श्रुति नागवंशी बनीं मिसाल, नारी शक्ति की नई पहचान

 🌟 बधाई हो श्रुति नागवंशी! 🌟

बनारस की बेटी श्रुति नागवंशी एक सच्ची नारी शक्ति की मिसाल हैं। उन्होंने अपनी ज़िंदगी लगभग 30 वर्षों से बाल श्रम, बाल विवाह और महिलाओं के खिलाफ होने वाले उत्पीड़न के खिलाफ संघर्ष करने में समर्पित कर दी है।

छोटी उम्र से ही उन्होंने समाज के सबसे वंचित दलित महिलाओं और बच्चियों के साथ काम किया, उन्हें सरकारी योजनाओं से जोड़ने, अस्पताल सुविधाएँ दिलाने और उनके अधिकारों के लिए आवाज़ उठाने में सहायता की। श्रुति ने लगभग 15 बाल विवाह को होने से रोका, कई बच्चियों को समय से पहले शादी के अँधेरे से बाहर निकाला और उनके जीवन को नई दिशा दी।

अपने पति के साथ मिलकर उन्होंने PVCHR की शुरुआत की। इसी कार्य के लिए उन्हें अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तर पर मान्यता मिली और 2016 में भारत के महिला एवं बाल विकास मंत्रालय द्वारा टॉप 100 महिला अचीवर्स में शामिल किया गया।

हम श्रुति के साहस, सेवा, और समर्पण को सलाम करते हैं! 💐

और उन सभी महिलाओं के लिए भी जो अपने समुदाय के लिए बदलाव लाने की दिशा में मेहनत कर रही हैं।

📌 Her Circle एक डिजिटल मंच है, जिसे नीता एम. अंबानी ने स्थापित किया है – महिलाओं को अपनी कहानियाँ, अनुभव और विचार साझा करने के लिए एक सुरक्षित, सहयोगात्मक और प्रेरणादायक स्थान देने के उद्देश्य से।

🔗 पूरी कहानी पढ़ें:

https://www.hercircle.in/hindi/engage/get-inspired/trending/banaras-daughter-shruti-nagvanshi-becomes-an-example-a-new-identity-of-women-power-10119.html

#श्रुति_नागवंशी #HerCircle #नीता_एम_अंबानी #नारीशक्ति #WomenEmpowerment #Inspiration #SocialChange

🌟 Congratulations Shruti Nagvanshi! 🌟

Shruti Nagvanshi from Banaras is a true example of women’s strength. For over 30 years, she has dedicated her life to fighting against child labor, child marriage, and violence towards women.

From a young age, Shruti worked alongside marginalized Dalit women and girls — helping them access government schemes, healthcare facilities and boldly raising her voice for their rights. She has prevented around 15 child marriages, saving young girls from being forced into adulthood too soon, and has given them a new lease on life.

Together with her husband, Shruti founded the PVCHR and her work has been recognized internationally. In 2016, she was honored among the Top 100 Women Achievers by India’s Ministry of Women and Child Development.

We salute her courage, dedication, and lifetime of service! 💐

And we celebrate all women working to uplift and empower their communities.

📌 Her Circle is a digital platform started by Nita M. Ambani, created to give women a safe, collaborative, and inspiring space to share their stories, thoughts, and experiences.

बाल विवाह एक प्रथा नहीं, बल्कि गंभीर परिणाम है, जो कि लड़कियों से उनका बचपन और हौसला छीन लेता है और इसी के खिलाफ आवाज उठाने का सराहनीय कार्य वाराणसी की श्रुति नागवंशी कई सालों से कर रही हैं। उल्लेखनीय है कि कम उम्र से ही श्रुति ने महिलाओं के उत्थान के लिए खुद को समर्पित कर दिया है। ज्ञात हो कि बीते 30 सालों से दलित महिलाओं के साथ मिलकर उन्होंने बाल श्रम और महिलाओं को दिए जाने वाले सभी तरह के उत्पीड़न के खिलाफ आवाज बुलंद की है। श्रुति का कहना है कि महिलाओं से जुड़े उत्पीड़न के मामले छोटे या बड़े नहीं होते हैं, बल्कि पीड़ादायक होता है। आइए जानते हैं विस्तार से।

बनारस निवासी श्रुति नागवंशी  ने कई दलित महिलाओं को नई जिंदगी दी है। उन्होंने कई साल पहले बाल श्रम को लेकर एक लड़ाई शुरू की और उसमें सफल भी रही और उसके बाद से ही लगातार उन्होंने बाल श्रम से लेकर बाल विवाह की जड़ को खत्म करने का कार्य किया है। उन्होंने लगभग 15 बाल विवाह को होने से रोका है। कई सारी छोटी लड़कियों के जीवन को वक्त से पहले शादी के अंधेरे से बाहर लाने का कार्य किया है। अपने पति के साथ मिलकर उन्होंने मानवाधिकार जन सतर्कता समिति की शुरुआत की। इसके साथ ही अपने सराहनीय कार्य के लिए उन्हें अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तर पर मान्यता भी मिल चुकी है। साल 2016 में उन्हें भारत के महिला एवं बाल विकास मंत्रालय द्वारा शीर्ष 100 महिला अचीवर्स में भी शामिल किया गया। उन्हें लेनिन रघुवंशी के साथ मिलकर नोबेल शांति पुरस्कार के लिए भी नामांकित किया जा चुका है। हालांकि बीते दो दशक से अपने इस कार्य को शुरू करने की प्रेरणा उन्हें बचपन में ही मिल चुकी है। वह कई सामाजिक कार्यों का हिस्सा बचपन से ही रही हैं। अपने करियर और जीवन में कई तरह की  चुनौतियों के बाद भी उन्होंने लोगों के उत्थान के लिए किए गए कार्यों को हमेशा जारी रखा और अपना जीवन पूर्ण तरह से समर्पित कर दिया है। समाज के लिए अपनी इस सेवा पर श्रुति का कहना है कि उन्होंने तकरीबन 30 साल पहले इस काम को शुरू किया था और फिर मानवाधिकार जन निगरानी समिति के द्वारा बाल श्रम की लड़ाई शुरू की। उन्होंने कहा कि उनके अब तक के सफर में उन महिलाओं के सामने अपने अधिकारों के लिए बड़ा संकट था, जो खासतौर पर बस्तियों में रहती थीं। खासतौर पर इन महिलाओं को सरकारी योजनाओं का लाभ दिलाना और अस्पताल जैसी सुविधा के लिए वह लगातार प्रयास कर रही हैं और सफल भी रही हैं। 

Warmth Beyond Winter: Standing in Solidarity with Brick Kiln Workers

 Winter in northern India is not just a season — for thousands of informal workers, it becomes a struggle for survival. As temperatures fall, families living in fragile conditions face severe risks, often without adequate clothing, shelter, or social protection. Among the most vulnerable are brick kiln workers, many of whom belong to historically marginalized communities such as the Musahars, who continue to endure deep social and economic exclusion.

At the A-Marka Devchandrapur brick kiln, the harsh winter intensified these realities. Workers who spend long hours engaged in physically demanding labor found themselves confronting not only financial hardship but also the threat of extreme cold. For them, something as simple as a blanket is not a comfort — it is protection, dignity, and sometimes even survival.

Responding to this urgent need, Janmitra Nyas and the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) organized a winter relief effort supported by Kajeesan Jeevendra, Denmark. Through his generous contribution, 66 shawls (blankets) were distributed among male and female workers at the kiln, helping shield them from the cold and offering a measure of security during the most unforgiving weeks of the season.

The initiative also brought moments of joy to the children. Puffed rice (lai) and jaggery (gur) were shared with them — small but meaningful gestures that brightened young faces and reminded them that they are seen and valued. Humanitarian support is not only about meeting physical needs; it is also about nurturing hope.

Brick kiln workers often remain invisible in mainstream development conversations. Many are seasonal migrants with limited access to healthcare, education, and government welfare schemes. Their labor contributes significantly to economic growth and infrastructure development, yet their living conditions frequently remain precarious. Winter exposes these inequalities with painful clarity.

For Musahar families, vulnerability is further compounded by a long history of landlessness and discrimination. Supporting them is therefore not merely an act of charity — it is a step toward restoring justice and affirming their inherent dignity. Inclusive development demands that progress reach those who have long stood at the margins of society.

This effort also aligns with the global vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Protecting vulnerable communities from seasonal distress is essential to building resilient societies where no one is left behind. Human dignity must not depend on the weather.

Equally inspiring is the example set by Kajeesan Jeevendra. His support demonstrates how individual compassion can transcend borders and create tangible impact. At a time when the world faces complex humanitarian challenges, such acts of solidarity remind us that meaningful change often begins with personal commitment. Global citizenship is ultimately defined not by geography but by empathy and action.

Civil society organizations like Janmitra Nyas and PVCHR play a vital role in connecting generosity with need. By reaching communities that are frequently overlooked, they ensure that assistance arrives where it matters most. Yet while winter relief provides immediate comfort, it also highlights the need for long-term structural change — stronger labor protections, improved access to social security, quality education for workers’ children, and sustainable pathways out of poverty.

Offering warmth in the cold may seem like a modest intervention, but its message is profound: every life deserves care, protection, and respect. When we stand with the most vulnerable, we strengthen the moral fabric of our societies.

As this initiative reminds us, compassion is most meaningful when it is translated into action. Sometimes, the simplest gesture — a blanket shared on a freezing night — can reaffirm our shared humanity and move us closer to a more just and equitable world.

#WarmthWithDignity #LeaveNoOneBehind #HumanRightsInAction #WinterRelief #GlobalSolidarity #SupportBrickKilnWorkers #CompassionInAction #SDGs #EndInequality #PVCHR