In his address, the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh said the NHRC since its inception 25 years ago has achieved many milestones and secured a place for itself in the institutional framework of the country.
He asserted that human rights have been ingrained in the traditional ethos of India. “In our country, we pray for the welfare of all, wish good for all and desire no harm for anyone. India is the first country in the world to have considered not only human rights but also took care of animal rights. Requirement for a Human Rights Charter was not felt because it is in the basic character of India.”
Shri Rajnath Singh said, “I believe there is no place for inhuman actions in the name of strict action. But it is also my firm belief that actions taken in the national and societal interest should not be seen from the viewpoint of human rights violation.”
“On many occasions, some people express concern over the human rights of criminals/terrorists. I want to ask when such a criminal/terrorist not only violates the human rights of others but also takes away their right to live, in such a situation how we can raise the issue of human rights of such a criminal/terrorist,” he added.
The Union Home Minister said human rights should be seen in proper perspective. “Human rights means everyone has a right to dignified life. In this direction, our government has implemented many significant schemes for the benefit of crores of people and provided them food, housing, health and education for girl children,” he said.
Shri Rajnath Singh said action against illegal immigrants into India should not be seen from the point of view of human rights. “There was no inhuman behaviour towards them. I am happy to note that the Supreme Court’s recent decision was in favour of deportation of seven Rohingyas,” he said.
Union Home Minister said India is a secular state and human rights are not based on religion. He also emphasized on the importance of women’s safety.
Attended the NHRC Silver Jubilee function in New Delhi today. The idea of human rights has always been a part of India’s centuries old traditions. Respecting the human rights of everyone has been our culture. We respect the human rights of even our opponents and adversaries. pic.twitter.com/SD8uCrwkSP
— राजनाथ सिंह (@rajnathsingh) October 12, 2018