Bharat Lal Talks About India’s Human Rights Efforts at New York Event
On July 16, Bharat Lal, Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India, addressed the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in New York. He discussed ‘India’s Approach to Human Rights’ and highlighted India’s robust institutional framework for protecting and promoting human rights.
Lal emphasized that Indian society has a deep-rooted ethos of empathy and compassion, which has been maintained through various social and political reforms over the centuries. The event, moderated by Ambassador Ken Juster, a former US Ambassador to India, was attended by distinguished individuals from academia, NGOs, civil society, business, industry, think tanks, and the diplomatic community.
During his talk, Lal spoke about India’s culture of providing refuge to persecuted people, the making of the Indian Constitution, and the importance of Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy. He noted that civic and political rights are guaranteed under the Constitution, with the Supreme Court and High Courts having vast jurisdiction as custodians of these rights.
Lal also highlighted recent efforts to improve the quality of life and dignity for all individuals through digital governance, developmental schemes, and legislative actions. He mentioned that India assists other countries in strengthening their democratic institutions and public service delivery, treating the world as one family and adhering to the principle of non-interference.
The NHRC collaborates with other commissions at both national and state levels to address human rights issues effectively. Lal noted that the NHRC has over 30 Special Rapporteurs and Special Monitors, and 12 Core Groups, including members from academia, NGOs, civil society, and human rights defenders. The NHRC has been proactive in reaching out to different parts of the country, increasing the number of suo motu cases and using digital technology to capture instances of human rights violations.
Special focus is given to improving the quality of life and ensuring dignity for vulnerable groups such as transgender individuals, beggars, widows, persons with mental health issues and leprosy, trafficked girls, aged people, children, and truck drivers. Lal emphasized the need for partnerships to ensure that everyone has access to basic amenities and opportunities to excel.
Doubts Revealed
Bharat Lal -: Bharat Lal is a person who works for the National Human Rights Commission of India. He helps make sure people are treated fairly and with respect.
National Human Rights Commission of India -: The National Human Rights Commission of India is a group that works to protect and promote human rights in India. They make sure everyone is treated fairly and their rights are respected.
Council on Foreign Relations -: The Council on Foreign Relations is a group in New York that talks about important issues happening around the world. They invite people to speak about different topics, like human rights.
human rights -: Human rights are basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world. This includes things like the right to live, to be free, and to be treated equally.
judiciary -: The judiciary is the system of courts in a country. In India, the judiciary helps make sure laws are followed and people’s rights are protected.
NHRC -: NHRC stands for the National Human Rights Commission. It is a group in India that works to protect people’s rights and make sure everyone is treated fairly.
vulnerable groups -: Vulnerable groups are people who might need extra help and protection. This can include children, elderly people, and those who are poor or sick.
