The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) should act strongly against any form of human rights violation, said chief guest Governor SC Jamir on Wednesday here at the State-level celebrations of the World Human Rights Day organised by the (OHRC).
Jamir said it is time to take charge and ensure that every individual’s human rights are ensured. Women and children are mainly the victims of human rights violations, he said.Attending the meeting, former Judge of Supreme Court Justice AK Patnaik said the national and the State human rights commissions are doing an excellent job. More than 5,000 complaints on various violations were disposed of during the tenure of former OHRC Chairman Justice RK Patra, he pointed out.
He said there are tremendous rights violations by the paramilitary forces, particularly in insurgency-prone areas. Of late, there is a feeling in the media that rights are doles for the poor. But it should be understood that upholding rights is due to international obligations. The human rights index should be pushed further up.
OHRC Member Bijay Kumar Patnaik thanked the media for highlighting rights violations day in and day out. On the occasion, awards were given to Shanti Devi for public service, Duryodhan Pradhan and Snehalata Pradhan for risking their lives and saving a woman constable from the wrath of a mob and Kailash Chandra Sarangi for providing selfless service to patients at the Capital Hospital.
It may be mentioned that in 2014 about 4,040 complaints were filed with the OHRC, and till November 2,572 cases were disposed of. OHRC Acting Chairperson Justice BK Mishra delivered the welcome address. Earlier, Justice Patnaik distributed wheelchairs to physically-challenged persons on the occasion.