The annual general meeting and Biennial Conference of the Asia Pacific Forum on Human Rights (APF) have recently been inaugurated by the President of India in New Delhi, marking the significant 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR).
The President’s Views on Human Rights
The President emphasized the importance of addressing human rights issues while also safeguarding our environment. She pointed out the detrimental impact of human activity on the environment and underscored that the international community has a moral obligation to uphold human rights beyond just legal frameworks.
She also reaffirmed India’s commitment to gender justice as enshrined in the country’s constitution through universal adult franchise rights. At the same time, she indicated India’s willingness to adopt global best practices for improving human rights standards. Notably, she urged for intertwining human rights issues with nature preservation efforts.
Asia Pacific Forum on Human Rights: An Overview
Established in 1996, the APF unites National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) across the Asia Pacific region to address pressing human rights challenges. It consists of 17 full members and eight associate members. Full membership requires full compliance with the Paris Principles’ minimum international standards. Associate membership is granted to institutions that partially comply.
The APF aims to foster the growth of independent NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region and bolster their functionality. The forum offers numerous programs and services and collaborates with various international agencies, governments, and non-government organizations.
The Significance of Human Rights
Human rights ensure the preservation of individual dignity and promote social justice and equality. By establishing accountability and justice frameworks, they foster rule of law and contribute to peace and stability. Human rights also facilitate economic and social development, leading to improved living standards.
They encourage international cooperation and diplomacy in addressing human rights abuses globally. Besides acting as a deterrent against human rights abuses, they uphold human dignity as a universal value transcending cultural, religious, and political boundaries. Lastly, they empower individuals to participate in decision-making processes and hold governments accountable for human rights infringements.
About the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
The NHRC is responsible for protecting individuals’ rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity. It upholds rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution and international covenants enforceable by Indian courts. The NHRC was established on 12th October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993, and aligns with Paris Principles promoting and protecting human rights.
It possesses judicial powers akin to those of a civil court and can use state or central government services for investigating human rights violations. However, its functions are mainly recommendatory.
Despite its mandate, the NHRC faces several limitations – it cannot probe any matter after one year from the date of the alleged violation, has limited jurisdiction over human rights abuses by armed forces and lacks authority in cases involving private parties’ human rights violations.