The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) successfully
completed its three-day capacity-building programme for the Arunachal Pradesh
State Human Rights Commission (APSHRC) today, on a high note. Held in New
Delhi, the programme sought to train APSHRC officials with the required tools
and understandings to handle pressing human rights challenges in the state,
including human trafficking and drug addiction.
Addressing the valedictory session, NHRC Acting Chairperson
Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani commended the APSHRC’s visionary direction toward
capacity building since its establishment in 2023. She stressed Arunachal
Pradesh’s key role in India’s human rights framework, highlighting its rich
cultural diversity and unique challenges.
"This hands-on training programme has provided an
opportunity to collectively reflect on the principles of justice, liberty,
equality, and fraternity enshrined in our Constitution. These foundational
values drive our mission to defend and promote human rights across the
country," said Smt. Sayani. She lauded APSHRC Acting Chairperson Shri
Bamang Tago and his team for their diligent participation, emphasizing that
their actions would help uphold the dignity and honest aspirations of the
people of Arunachal Pradesh.
NHRC Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal stressed the
significance of understanding administrative procedures and responsibilities,
saying that this knowledge allows individuals to contribute more effectively.
He stressed the need for sensitivity, responsiveness, and timeliness in
addressing rights infringements.
"By learning from the NHRC’s experience through this
customized training programme, the APSHRC has taken a substantial effort toward
addressing the human rights problems of Arunachal Pradesh. Just as the sun
rises first in Arunachal Pradesh, the APSHRC can set a model for other state
commissions," said Shri Lal.
The training received positive feedback from participants,
encouraging the NHRC to organize similar programmes for other State Human
Rights Commissions in the future. Shri Lal emphasized that bolstering the human
rights framework in the country is a shared responsibility.
APSHRC Acting Chairperson Shri Bamang Tago conveyed
appreciation to the NHRC for organizing the training, defining it as
instrumental in preparing the State Commission to tackle problems such as human
trafficking and drug addiction. He recognized the unusual challenges posed by
Arunachal Pradesh’s geography and promised to enforce the valuable learnings
from the training to address these concerns effectively.
"The training will help our officers promote greater
awareness about human rights and address the concerns of the people through
collaborative efforts with the State Government," said Shri Tago.
Earlier, Joint Secretary Shri Devendra Kumar Nim inaugurated
the programme, summarizing its purpose to tell APSHRC officers the core
operations of a human rights organization. The sessions covered essential areas
such as complaint management, spot inquiries, international engagements,
research, media communication, and outreach endeavors.
Shri Nim voiced hope that the programme would empower APSHRC
officers to defend the rights of all individuals, especially marginalized
communities, in Arunachal Pradesh.
The three-day programme marked an important step in boosting
the APSHRC’s power to address human rights challenges in the state while
establishing a benchmark for cooperative efforts among State Human Rights
Commissions nationwide. (PR)