New Delhi, June 23 (IANS) National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson Justice (Retd) V. Ramasubramanian on Tuesday virtually participated in the First Consultative Meeting of National Human Rights Institutions, State Bodies and other Organisations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states.

The event was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic and NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal and Joint Secretary Samir Kumar were also present.

The meeting was attended by the Ombudsperson of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO, Chairpersons and Heads of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and other relevant bodies from Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Belarus, along with distinguished delegates and experts.

Justice Ramasubramanian commended the Kyrgyz Republic for its leadership in convening the first consultative meeting under its SCO Chairmanship.

He said that the proposal for regular consultative interaction among NHRIs and related bodies is both timely and forward-looking. It would promote meaningful dialogue, mutual understanding and practical cooperation in addressing contemporary socio-economic and geo-political challenges.

He emphasised that NHRIs play an important role in strengthening trust between the State and society and fostering social stability.

He underscored that regional cooperation should be guided by the principles of respect for State sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual consideration of national interests.

The NHRC Chairperson welcomed the objectives contained in the draft protocol relating to the exchange of information, dissemination of best practices, expert cooperation and development of coordinated approaches to human rights issues.

He noted that regular exchanges among institutions would facilitate mutual learning and enhance institutional effectiveness.

Justice Ramasubramanian highlighted NHRC’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Capacity Building Programme for NHRIs and the value of structured learning, dialogue and cross-border engagement in strengthening institutional capacities.

He reaffirmed NHRC India’s support for deeper cooperation within the SCO framework and expressed confidence that the consultative mechanism would evolve into an important platform for dialogue, cooperation and exchange of experiences among institutions dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights and freedoms.

–IANS

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