Rajnath Singh to inaugurate conference of human rights bodies

New Delhi: A conference of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs) to discuss the ways and means to make them stronger and effective for the promotion and protection of human rights will be held here on Friday.

The event will be inaugurated by union Home Minister Rajanth Singh, an official statement said.

"The conference will also deliberate upon the possibility of suggesting amendments to the Protection of Human Rights (PHR) Act, 1993 to give more powers to the NHRC and the SHRCs," it said.

"Further, the scope of Section 12 (a) and (j) of Protection of Human Rights Act in dealing with the violation of human rights by entities other than public servants will also be discussed," it added.

NHRC chairperson Justice Cyriac Joseph will deliver the presidential address.

So far, 25 states have set up SHRCs, autonomous bodies independent of the NHRC.