Upholding Human Rights: Challenges and Resilience

 In September 2011, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India took a significant stride in its commitment to safeguarding human rights by reconstituting the Core Group of NGOs. This endeavor, in alignment with Section 12(i) of The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, underscores NHRC's pivotal role in engaging and collaborating with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) dedicated to advancing and safeguarding human rights.

NHRC's longstanding tradition of nurturing partnerships with esteemed NGOs underscores the invaluable contributions these organizations make towards advancing human rights causes. Through their dedicated efforts and partnerships with NHRC, these NGOs have consistently championed human rights principles and advocated for marginalized and vulnerable communities.

The Core Group of NGOs serves as a crucial monitoring mechanism for consultation, offering constructive suggestions and insights to NHRC. Over the years, this collaborative effort has played a pivotal role in shaping NHRC's strategies and initiatives, ensuring a holistic approach to addressing human rights challenges.

The reconstitution of the Core Group reflects NHRC's renewed focus on civil, economic, social, and cultural rights, alongside its commitment to extending its outreach across diverse regions of the country. By ensuring diverse representation from various sectors and regions, NHRC aims to foster greater inclusivity and responsiveness to the evolving human rights landscape.

The newly constituted Core Group comprises esteemed individuals representing a wide spectrum of organizations and expertise. From advocating for the rights of disabled persons to championing child rights, Dalit empowerment, and women's rights, each member brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the table.

The terms of reference for the Core Group outline clear objectives, including identifying areas of cooperation between NHRC and NGOs, advising on crucial human rights issues, and facilitating meaningful interactions between the Commission and civil society. These objectives underscore the collaborative spirit that underpins NHRC's approach to human rights governance.

As NHRC embarks on this journey with the reconstituted Core Group, it reaffirms its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights for all. Through sustained collaboration and collective action, NHRC and its NGO partners strive to uphold the fundamental principles of dignity, equality, and justice for every individual.

Thus, keeping in mind especially the renewed focus of the Commission for the realization of Civil, Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, as well as to extend the reach of the Commission to the different regions of the country to provide sectoral and regional representation, the Commission has reconstituted the Core Group of NGOs. The reconstituted members of the Core Group are as follows:

1. Mr. Javed Abidi
   Executive Director,
   National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People.

2. Mr. Suhas Chakma
   Director,
   Asian Centre for Human Rights.

3. Mr. Kailash Satyarthi
   Founder,
   Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA).

4. Ms. Rita Sarin
   Country Director,
   The Hunger Project-India.

5. Mr. Rakesh Jinsi
   Secretary General,
   SOS Children's Villages of India.

6. Mr. Mathews Philip
   Executive Director,
   South India Cell for Human Rights Education & Monitoring (SICHREM).

7. Ms. Sugatha Kumari
   Secretary,
   ABHAYA.

8. Ms. Puja Marwaha
   Chief Executive,
   CRY - Child Rights and You.

9. Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi
   Convener,
   People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR).

10. Mr. Paul Divakar
    Secretary General,
    National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights.

11. Dr. Ruth Manorama
    President,
    National Alliance of Women (NAWO).

12. Mr. Baghambar Patnaik
    Human Rights Activist and Adviser,
    Odisha Goti Mukti Andolan.

However, amidst these efforts, challenges persist. The recent ordeal faced by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, a grassroots activist and member of the reconstituted Core Group, sheds light on the complexities and dangers inherent in human rights work. Dr. Raghuvanshi's vocal advocacy and unwavering commitment to justice have made him a target of intimidation and false criminalimplications.

Dr. Raghuvanshi's experience underscores the urgent need for robust mechanisms to protect human rights defenders (HRDs) and address threats against them. The NHRC's acknowledgment of its responsibility to safeguard HRDs is commendable, as evidenced by recent statements and initiatives aimed at enhancing the protection and well-being of HRDs.

At a recent meeting convened by NHRC, several important recommendations were made to strengthen the protection of HRDs, including setting timeframes for addressing complaints, intervening in cases of false implication, and expediting trials involving HRDs. These recommendations reflect a concerted effort to address the challenges faced by HRDs and ensure their safety and security.

Despite these positive steps, Dr. Raghuvanshi's case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency within NHRC. His persistent efforts to seek justice and accountability in the face of adversity serve as a reminder of the critical role played by HRDs in upholding human rights and democracy.

In conclusion, NHRC's reconstitution of the Core Group of NGOs represents a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to promoting and protecting human rights. However, challenges persist, and the recent experiences of Dr. Raghuvanshi underscore the importance of strengthening mechanisms to protect HRDs and ensure accountability within NHRC.

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