The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is organizing a six-day human rights capacity-building program under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). This program is intended for senior officials from National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) of Global South countries.
The event will take place in Delhi from September 14 to 19. The opening ceremony will be conducted by the Chairman of the NHRC, Justin V. Ramasubramanian. The Commission stated in its release that the goal of the program is to strengthen the capabilities of participating NHRIs and facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices to promote cooperation in the protection and development of human rights in the respective countries.
This individually designed program is based on the needs of the participating NHRIs and feedback received during four previous ITEC training programs organized by the Commission. Forty-one senior officials from fifteen NHRIs are expected to participate in the program.
NHRC reported that the program's themes will cover areas such as the formation of the international human rights system, contemporary human rights issues, the intersection of human rights and business, the impact of new technologies on human rights, and sustainable development. Participants will also gain insight into the functioning of the NHRC, including complaint and investigation mechanisms, within the context of the global human rights discourse.
Drawing on over thirty years of experience, India's program aims to foster mutual learning and significant cooperation among NHRIs for the protection, observance, and institutional strengthening of rights in Global South countries. The program includes interactive sessions with leading experts, cultural immersion, and field trips. This will provide an opportunity for dialogue and exchange of views among Global South NHRIs, reflecting NHRC's and India's commitment to strengthening human rights institutions and cooperation in the region.