NHRC issues advisories to ministries, states/UTs in context of COVID-19 pandemic

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 7, 2020

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India viewing the unprecedented situation across the country and being deeply concerned about the rights of the vulnerable and marginalised sections of the society affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdowns, constituted a ‘Committee of Experts on Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Human Rights and Future Response’.

The Committee, included representatives from the civil society organizations, independent domain experts, and the representatives from the concerned Ministries/ Departments, and was tasked to assess the impact of the pandemic on realization of the rights of the people, especially the marginalised / vulnerable sections of the population which have been disproportionately impacted.

After due consideration of the impact assessment and recommendations made by the Committee of Experts, the Commission issued the advisories on following human rights issues: 1. Human Rights Advisory on Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic: Human Rights of the Prisoners & Police Personnel and Future Response. 2. Human Rights Advisory on Human Rights of Informal Workers during COVID-19. 3. Human Rights Advisory on Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic: Businesses & Human Rights and Future Response.

The Commission has also requested concerned Ministries/States/UTs to implement the recommendations made in the advisories and compliance the action taken report to the Commission.