National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Context
Recently, Justice (Retd.) V. Ramasubramanian was appointed as the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
About the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):
- It is an autonomous body that was established under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993.
- It was formed on 12th October 1993.
- Aim: It promotes and protects human rights across India.
- The NHRC aligns with the Paris Principles, international guidelines adopted in 1993 to bolster human rights institutions globally.
Functions and Powers:
- The NHRC participates in court cases related to human rights violations and also reviews constitutional provisions and laws related to human rights.
- The NHRC has powers similar to a civil court, and hence it can summon witnesses, demand records, and investigate cases.
- It promotes literacy on human rights through research, seminars, and publications.
- It evaluates international treaties on human rights and recommends their implementation in India.
- The NHRC has an investigation team led by a Director General of Police and works with government officers and NGOs to probe cases effectively.
Challenges
- Suggestive Frameworks: The NHRC’s decisions are only suggestive and advisory in nature, limiting its enforcement power.
- Legal Ambiguities: It cannot address violations by private individuals and has limited authority over armed forces.
- Capacity Deficiencies: A lack of funding and staff hampers its efficiency in handling complaints.
- Overburdened Systems: An overwhelming number of cases often delays justice.
- Awareness Initiatives: Many citizens are unaware of the NHRC’s role, and filing complaints remains challenging, especially for marginalised groups.
- Worldwide Disapproval: The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) deferred NHRC’s accreditation, citing non-compliance with international standards.
Way Forward
- To enhance the effectiveness of NHRC’s, more enforcement powers should be granted by extending their jurisdiction to private entities also.
- It should be provided with an independent budget for sufficient funds and specialised committees that can address modern issues like digital privacy and offer regular staff training.
- Moreover, it should be aligned with global standards like the UNHRC for further credibility.
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