Amend PHR Act to make Human Rights Commissions more effective, says Justice P. Sathasivam

He was addressing the Human Rights Day function of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) as a Chief Guest here on Saturday.

P. Sathasivam lauded the role of the NHRC towards Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. However, he said that the Commission should consider approaching Parliament through the Government to seek an amendment in the Protection of Human Rights (PHR) Act to make its recommendation effective.

It should be able to execute its recommendations.

Addressing the gathering, Bezwada Wilson, National Convener of the Safai Karamchari Andolan and recipient of Magsaysay award, said, despite several efforts a lot needs yet to be done to build awareness about the necessity to recognize the rights and dignity of people working in sanitation area.

Earlier, addressing the gathering Justice H.L. Dattu, Chairperson, NHRC, said the Commission represents the work, dedication, and relentless spirit that are vital to the realization of the vision we have for our country – a vision of freedom, justice and equity.

He expressed confidence that by incorporating human rights as a way of life, a fundamental change can be brought about in our efforts to eradicate the scourge of poverty, ignorance, prejudices and discrimination based on sex, caste, religion, disability and other forms, from our society.

Highlighting the significance of Human Rights Day, Justice Dattu said, let us pledge to rededicate ourselves to achieving a just and equitable society through upholding the principles and ideals enshrined in our Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for the protection and promotion of human dignity and the inviolable rights of all citizens of the country.

The UN Secretary General,  Ban Ki Moon, in his message on Human Rights Day, read by Rajiv Chandran, the representative of United Nations Information Centre in Delhi, said,  “Upholding Human Rights is in the interest of all. Respect for Human Rights advances well-being for every individual, stability for every society, and harmony for our international world.”

At a time of multiplying conflicts, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reminds us of the importance of the freedom, justice and peace in the life of human beings. He said that people must stand up for others’ rights – is the theme of this year’s Human Rights Day.

Marking the Human Rights Day celebrations, prizes were given to the winners of NHRC’s Short Films on Human Rights Award Scheme 2016.

These included ‘Black & White” by Anuj S.R. from Kerala, first prize of rupees one lakh, ‘Tumling Street” by Rimbik Das, second prize of rupees 75,000 and ‘Ambrosia’ by Somnath Chakraborty, third prize of rupees 50,000. They were also given a certificate and a trophy each. The Commission received a huge response to its Short Film Award Scheme this year.

Justice Sathasivam also released four NHRC publications, including two Journals in Hindi and English carrying articles on important aspects of Human Rights issues by eminent persons. He also opened NHRC’s photo and children’s paintings exhibition marking the Human Rights Day.

Several prominent dignitaries, including Judges of Supreme Court, High Courts, former Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts, UN representatives, diplomats, senior Government functionaries, civil society representatives, senior officers of Paramilitary Forces and NHRC attended the function.