The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) commenced its two-week online short-term internship programme on November 18, 2024, in New Delhi. Sixty university-level students from diverse academic backgrounds across India have been selected to participate. During the inaugural session, NHRC Secretary General Mr. Bharat Lal encouraged the interns to use this opportunity to deepen their understanding of human rights and prepare to contribute meaningfully to protecting and promoting them.
Highlighting India’s long-standing tradition of offering refuge to persecuted communities, Mr. Lal emphasized the nation’s ethos of empathy and universal brotherhood. He underscored the importance of reflecting on the ideals enshrined in the Indian Constitution and the efforts made by the legislature, judiciary, executive, and NHRC to uphold these principles. He also expressed hope that the programme would foster a better understanding of human rights among interns, while cultivating sensitivity and responsiveness to the struggles of marginalized and vulnerable groups.
Providing an overview of the programme, NHRC Joint Secretary Mr. Devendra Kumar Nim outlined its multifaceted approach. The interns will engage in individual and group activities and competitions to enhance their awareness of human rights. They will also participate in sessions led by eminent speakers on various aspects of human rights and undertake virtual visits to institutions such as Tihar Jail, police stations, and shelter homes to gain practical insights into their functioning and challenges.