What is the NHRC? Explained

The NHRC has a number of functions, including:

• Investigating complaints of human rights violations: The NHRC can suo motu (on its own) or on the basis of a complaint, investigate any matter relating to the violation of human rights. It can also recommend to the government that compensation be paid to victims of human rights violations.
• Recommending measures to prevent human rights violations: The NHRC can recommend to the government measures to prevent human rights violations. It can also suggest amendments to laws and policies that may violate human rights.
• Promoting awareness of human rights: The NHRC can promote awareness of human rights through various means, such as conducting workshops, seminars, and distributing pamphlets.
• Cooperating with other national and international human rights institutions: The NHRC can cooperate with other national and international human rights institutions to promote and protect human rights.

The NHRC is an important institution in India's democracy. It plays a vital role in protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their caste, religion, or social status.

Here are some of the specific functions of the NHRC:

• Review the safeguards by or under the Constitution or any law for the time being in force for the protection of human rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation.
• Review the factors, including acts of terrorism that inhibit the enjoyment of human rights and recommend appropriate remedial measures.
• Study treaties and other international instruments on human rights and make recommendations for their effective implementation.
• Undertake and promote research in the field of human rights.
• Visit jails, hospitals, juvenile homes, mental hospitals, etc. to study the living conditions of the inmates.
• Intervene in any proceeding involving any allegation of violation of human rights pending before a court with the approval of such court.

The NHRC is a powerful institution that has the potential to make a significant impact on the protection and promotion of human rights in India. However, it is important to note that the NHRC is not a court of law. It does not have the power to impose penalties or award damages. Its main function is to investigate complaints of human rights violations and to recommend measures to the government to prevent future violations.

The NHRC has made a number of significant contributions to the protection and promotion of human rights in India. It has investigated a wide range of cases, including cases of custodial deaths, police excesses, and child abuse. It has also made a number of recommendations to the government to improve the human rights situation in India.

The NHRC is an important institution in India's democracy. It plays a vital role in protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their caste, religion, or social status.

What are the NHRC's most recent findings?

The NHRC has released a number of reports in recent months, highlighting a number of human rights concerns in India. These include:

• The use of excessive force by the police: The NHRC has found that the police in India often use excessive force, especially against marginalized groups such as Dalits and Muslims. In a recent report, the NHRC found that the police in Uttar Pradesh had used excessive force against protesters during the farmers' agitation in 2020-21.
• The custodial deaths of prisoners: The NHRC has also found that there have been a number of custodial deaths in India in recent years. In a recent report, the NHRC found that 102 prisoners had died in police custody in 2022.
• The sexual abuse of children: The NHRC has also found that there has been a rise in the sexual abuse of children in India in recent years. In a recent report, the NHRC found that 21,648 cases of child sexual abuse were reported in 2022.
• The denial of healthcare to the poor: The NHRC has also found that the poor in India often do not have access to adequate healthcare. In a recent report, the NHRC found that 73% of people in rural India do not have access to essential healthcare services.

• The government should take steps to prevent the use of excessive force by the police.
• The government should take steps to prevent custodial deaths.
• The government should take steps to protect children from sexual abuse.
• The government should take steps to ensure that the poor have access to adequate healthcare.

The NHRC's findings are a reminder that there are still many human rights concerns in India. The government needs to take steps to address these concerns and ensure that all citizens are protected from human rights violations.