The Full Form of NHRC: National Human Rights Commission
NHRC stands for National Human Rights Commission. The National Human Rights Commission is an independent legal institution established on October 12, 1993. Its establishment was made under the provisions of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
The institution was modified in 2006. The main function of the National Human Rights Commission is to protect and promote human rights. Its headquarters is located in Delhi.
At the time of its establishment, Justice Ranganath Mishra was its first chairman. The selection of the chairman is made by a committee constituted by the President of the country.
The Commission is responsible for safeguarding the human rights of the people of India. It advocates for a number of human rights such as the right to life, liberty, equality, and more, and also ensures their protection.
What are human rights?
According to the definition of the United Nations (UN), these rights are available to everyone without discrimination based on race, gender, nationality, language, religion, or any other factor.
The main rights included in human rights are the right to life and liberty, the right to be free from slavery and torture, the right to freedom of expression, and the right to work and education. These are just a few examples of the many rights that fall under the category of human rights.
Every person is entitled to these rights without any discrimination. Human rights ensure that all individuals are treated equally and have the freedom to live their lives as they choose without fear of persecution or discrimination based on any characteristic or circumstance.
History of NHRC
The UDHR was adopted by the UN General Assembly on Dec 10, 1948, marking the first attempt to protect human rights. Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on Dec 10 in honor of the UDHR’s anniversary.
The Paris Principles, established in 1991, became the foundation for national human rights institutions. India enacted the Human Rights Protection Act in 1993, allowing state governments to establish state human rights commissions.
Functions and Powers of NHRC
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) holds full authority to intervene in any action concerning the violation of human rights in the country. This includes the right to visit prisons under state government jurisdiction and inspect living conditions of inmates.
Apart from this, NHRC’s responsibilities also include investigating cases of human rights violations that occur in the country and recommending compensation for victims. The commission also possesses the power of a civil court and can provide interim relief to affected parties.
The NHRC receives a substantial number of complaints every year, which they are responsible for investigating. Furthermore, the commission must submit an annual report to the President of the country.
Overall, the NHRC is a vital institution that plays a crucial role in safeguarding the human rights of individuals in the country.
By now, you should have gained some understanding of what NHRC stands for and its meaning. Additionally, you have been introduced to various commonly used acronyms, abbreviations, and their respective definitions.