Annual Report - National Human Rights Commission

Annexure 14
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ii)
iii)
the number of such allegations recorded by it, the details of the system established
thus far to investigate such allegations and the results, thus far, of such investigations;
the measures that are being taken to prevent the occurrence of enforced or involuntary
disappearances; and
iv) the measures that are being taken to bring to book those who may have been involved
in such disappearances and to provide justice to those who have suffered.
Not satisfied with the response of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, further information
has been asked for by the Commission. The proceedings are continuing.
Mr. Chairman,
Under-trial prisoners constitute almost 3/4th of the jail population in India. Their plight has, for
long, been a matter of concern for the National Human Rights Commission. As Chairperson of
the Commission, I have suggested to the Chief Justices of all High Courts to regularly hold
special courts in jails for relief to undertrials particularly those accused of petty offences. The
response from the High Courts has been encouraging with relief accruing to many under-trials.
Mr. Chairman,
During the preceding year, the Commission took a number of initiatives for the protection and
promotion of economic, social and cultural rights and in particular, the right to health. Recognizing
the importance of access to health care, and especially, access to emergency medical care, the
Commission constituted an expert group of eminent medical practioners to prepare a blueprint
for restructuring of the emergency medical care and also evolve guidelines regarding trauma
care. The group has submitted its report to the Commission on 7 April 2004. Similarly, recognizing
the implications of sub standard drugs and medical devices on human rights, the Commission
held consultations with authorities in the Union Government, concerned States and NGOs. An
expert group has been constituted to go into this issue. The Commission also proposes to hold
five regional and one national public hearing on access to health care followed by a National
Consultation on Primary Health Care and Human Rights in the course of the current year.
The Commission has been concerned about the protection of the rights of those affected / infected
by HIV/AIDS. Based on the outcome of National Consultation in this regard held in 2000,
detailed recommendations were made to various authorities. Besides, in various individual
complaints alleging discrimination in access to education and in access to health care, the
Commission intervened to set right the wrong and thereby secure relief for the affected persons.
The Core Group on Public Health has recommended certain measures to prevent mother-tochild
transmission of HIV/AIDS and follow-up action has been taken by the Commission. The
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