The Union Cabinet has introduction of Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill, 2018 in Parliament for better protection and promotion of human rights in the country. The Bill will amend Protection of Human Rights, 1993 which was last amended in 2006.
Salient Features of Bill
- It proposes to include National Commission for Protection of Child Rights as deemed Member of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
- It proposes to add woman member in composition of NHRC.
- It proposes to enlarge scope of eligibility and scope of selection of Chairperson, NHRC as well as State Human Rights Commission (SHRCs).
- It proposes to incorporate mechanism to look after cases of human rights violation in Union Territories.
- It proposes to amend term of office of Chairperson and Members of NHRC and SHRCs to make it in consonance with terms of Chairperson and Members of other Commissions.
Benefits
- The amendment will strengthen Human Rights Institutions of India further for effective discharge of their mandates, roles and responsibilities.
- Moreover, the amended act will be in perfect sync with agreed global standards and benchmarks towards ensuring rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of individual in the country.
- The amendment will make NHRC and SHRCs more compliant with Paris Principles concerning its autonomy, independence, pluralism and wide-ranging functions in order to effectively protect and promote human rights.