NHRC, India Chairperson addresses International conference of NHRIs on Torture and other ill-treatment
- Says, the practice of torture, prosecution of perpetrators and disciplinary action is non-negotiable;
- PIL in courts and suo motu cognizance by the NHRC are among the unique instruments of Indian jurisprudence to ensure justice for the victims
- Nurturing a culture in the society and government is necessary to respect NHRIs on the lines of the judiciary
Copenhagen: Justice Shri Arun Mishra, Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India, today said that we have to work collectively to make societies more humane and civil to eradicate the menace of torture of which most of the time the victims are poor and hapless individuals. To provide justice to victims of torture, we have to shift from retributive jurisprudence to restitution, reparation and compensation.
Justice Mishra was addressing the concluding session of the 14th International Conference of the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) on ‘Torture and other ill-treatment: The role of NHRIs’ organised by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) on 6th – 8th November, 2023 at Copenhagen. He said that we owe not only to present but future generations to take effective steps to prevent torture.
He said that the responsibility lies with the State and its Core institutions to protect the rule of law. There is a necessity to frown upon the impunity that promotes torture and ill-treatment. It is also necessary to hold the concerned authorities accountable for their obligations to prevent torture. To effectively address the practice of torture, prosecution of perpetrators and disciplinary action is non-negotiable.
He said that preventive mechanisms, continuous monitoring and assessment are necessary for the systematic improvement of detention centres, prisons and other places. International collaboration, sharing best practices and evolving strategies to prevent the prevailing physical and mental torture in various forms is essential. Methods of investigation by police need to be modernised.
He said that correctional staff and community-wise attitudinal change must be inculcated. We must ensure transparency in police actions and places of detention. Modern technology must be used to monitor and detect such violations. Slow handling of complaints, and delays in the process of the criminal justice system, compound the problem.
The NHRC, India Chairperson said that sensitization of judicial officers, senior police officials and law enforcement agencies towards torture and ill-treatment of an individual is the way forward. NHRIs, judiciary and other supervisory authorities must act along with state machinery, civil society and human rights defenders to address this issue.
Referring to the role of NHRIs in this context, Justice Mishra said that these institutions should be backed by suitable laws and independence in their work with adequate resources. It is necessary that a culture to respect NHRIs on the lines of judiciary is nurtured in the society and government. Follow up on the recommendations by the NHRIs and ensure accountability is concomitant with an effective remedial system.
Advisory jurisdiction of NHRIs can be used effectively for preventing suicides in places of detention, ensuring mental health check-ups, and improving the living conditions of mental hospitals, juvenile justice homes, shelter homes, and drug de-addiction centres. Surprise visits and inspections by NHRIs and their Special Rapporteurs/ Monitors serve the purpose. NHRIs must advise the government and Parliament on human rights accountability, foster political will to prevent torture, fight against opaqueness and ensure respect for the rule of law.
Earlier, chairing a session on ‘Practical perspective on protection: Complaints, investigations, access to justice and reparations’, Justice Mishra gave an overview of the Indian jurisprudence and various practices that evolved over the years, both by the judiciary and NHRC. He said that Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in courts and suo motu cognizance by the NHRC are among such unique instruments to ensure justice for the victims.
Justice Mishra said that NHRC, India’s complaint filing system, investigation mechanism and monetary relief in cases of human rights violations are part of a victim-centric approach to reparation. He was accompanied by Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal at the three-days conference.
Earlier, Secretary General, NHRC Shri Bharat Lal spoke about the good practices on enforcement of human rights in India. He highlighted how NHRC India has been equipped to discharge its responsibility and it has created a niche for itself. NHRC India is a highly respected institution as it has its own independent investigation wing, takes up cases suo moto, orders surprise inspections, has its own budget and other resources. He detailed the mechanism developed by NHRC India about online complaint management system, 24 hours toll free number and one can file complaint from anywhere and anytime. India is focusing on quality of life by ensuring basic amenities to all and taking care of vulnerable groups. The focus is on ensuring dignity to one and all.
Later, Justice Mishra was requested to highlight the work being done by APF and NHRC, India on climate change and human rights. He said that most of the times, poorest of the poor face the adverse impacts of climate change and therefore it is important that all NHRIs should focus on mitigating climate change to protect the human rights of people. He highlighted the work being done in India.
