Former Chief Justice of India and Governor of Kerala Justice P. Sathasivam on Saturday lack of awareness about laws, inadequacies of the legal system and lack of sufficient support from the legal services authorities need to be focused on to ensure protection of human rights in the country.
He was addressing the Human Rights Day function of National Human Rights Commission here.
Lauding the role of the NHRC towards Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, Justice Sathasivam said the commission should consider approaching Parliament through the government to seek an amendment in the Protection of Human Rights Act to make its recommendation effective.
Bezwada Wilson, recipient of Magsaysay award and the National Convener of the Safai Karamchari Andolan said that despite several efforts undertakne bu the commission a lot has to be done to build awareness about the necessity to recognize the rights and dignity of people working in sanitation area.
Earlier, addressing the gathering Justice H.L. Dattu, Chairperson of the NHRC, expressed confidence that by incorporating human rights as a way of life, a fundamental change can be brought about in to eradicate the scourge of poverty, ignorance, prejudices, and discrimination based on sex, caste, religion, disability and other forms, within our society
Highlighting the significance of Human Rights Day, Justice Dattu further urged the people to pledge to re-dedicate themselves in achieving a just and equitable society through upholding the principles and ideals enshrined in the Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for the protection and promotion of human dignity and rights.
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UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, said there is a need to uphold the human rights to keep the interest of all the people.
"Upholding human rights is in the interest of all. Respect for human rights advances well-being for every individual, stability for every society, and harmony for our international world."
Marking the Human Rights Day celebrations, prizes were given to the winners of NHRC's Short Films on Human Rights Award Scheme 2016.
These included, 'Black & White" by Anuj S.R. from Kerala which was awarded with first prize of Rs. one lakh, 'Tumling Street" by Rimbik Das won the second prize and Rs. 75, 000 was given and 'Ambrosia' by Somnath Chakraborty, won third prize of Rs. 50, 000.
They were also given a certificate and a trophy each.
The Commission received a huge response to its Short Film Award Scheme this year.
Justice Sathasivam, also released four NHRC publications, including two Journals in Hindi and English carrying articles on important aspects of human rights issues by eminent persons.
He also opened NHRC's photo and children's paintings exhibition marking the Human Rights Day.
Several prominent dignitaries, including, among others, Judges of Supreme Court, High Courts, former Judges of Supreme Court, High Courts, UN representatives, diplomats, senior Government functionaries, civil society representatives, members of Para Military Forces, NHRC officers and staff attended the function.