GUWAHATI: The National Human Rights Commission will strengthen the human rights defenders in its strategy to firm up human rights culture in India and the world, said its Chairman Justice K G Balakrishnan.
"Today, on 9th December, the day when the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) was adopted in 1998 by the UN General Assembly, the NHRC, India reiterates its resolve to strengthen the Human Rights Defenders as an integral part in its strategy to strengthen the human rights culture in India and across the globe," said Balakrishnan in a statement issued by the Commission.
"The work of HRDs in partnership with the other state and non-state actors will have a far reaching impact in improving and strengthening the human rights situation throughout the country and also globally," the Chairman said.
"HRDs have always been instrumental in fighting for the cause of human rights. However, their efforts were provided impetus through the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders which was adopted by UN General Assembly on 9th December," Balakrishnan pointed out.
"NHRC, India too right since its inception in 1993, has played a very important role in promoting and protecting the rights of HRDs. Justice Ranganath Mishra, the first Chairperson of National Human Rights Commission always gave due opportunity and voice to the people who fought for promotion and protection of human rights," he said.
This work has not only been carried forward by the Commission but there has been substantial expansion in its activities for promotion and protection of rights of HRDs, the NHRC chief said.