This article explores two significant human rights institutions; the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). It outlines their roles, functions, compositions, and significance in promoting and protecting human rights.
The NHRC recently called for an action report from the Odisha government regarding the Balasore train accident. In another development, India backed a draft resolution in the UNHRC denouncing acts of desecration of the Holy Quran. Numerous countries gave their support to the resolution titled ‘Countering religious hatred constituting incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence’.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
The NHRC, established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), ensures the protection of individual rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity. These rights are guaranteed by the Indian Constitution and international covenants enforceable by Indian courts.
It was established in conformity with the Paris Principles adopted for promoting and protecting human rights. The Commission is composed of a chairperson, five full-time Members, and seven deemed Members. The chairman is typically a former Chief Justice of India or Supreme Court judge.
Appointment and tenure of chairman and members are decided by the President based on the recommendations of a six-member committee. The members hold office for three years or until they reach the age of 70. Although the Commission embodies judicial proceedings’ powers, its functions are primarily recommendatory.
United Nations Human Rights Council
The UNHRC, founded in 2006, is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) serves as its Secretariat, based in Geneva, Switzerland. It consists of 47 United Nations Member States elected by the UN General Assembly based on equitable geographical distribution.
The UNHRC assesses human rights situations globally through its Universal Periodic Review (UPR). It also allows individuals and organizations to bring human rights violations to the Council’s attention. However, its composition raises concerns as some member countries have been accused of human rights abuses.
India was elected to the Council in 2019 for a three-year term. In 2020, India’s National Human Rights Commission participated in the third round of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.
Questions Concerning Human Rights in UPSC Civil Services Examination
In the UPSC examination, there are often questions concerning human rights principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) reflected in different components of the Constitution of India. For instance, in 2020, one question tested the candidates’ knowledge of how Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, and Fundamental Duties reflect these principles and provisions.
The concept of Human Rights under the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” also comes up, as seen in a query from 2011 where candidates had to identify Human Rights from a given list. Often, these questions demand a clear understanding of human rights issues to answer correctly.
