[WSMDiscuss] Corrected version - Seeking NHRC's oversight of actions taken by administrations and police departments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

[Jai Sen]

Sunday, April 5, 2020

 

Thanks for posting this, Ashish… a very important initiative in a tragic situation.  Congratulations to Henri and to all of you.

            I’m also copying my response to other lists, where I know there are people who would want to know about this.

            Jai


> On Apr 5, 2020, at 10:26 AM, Ashish Kothari via WSM-Discuss <wsm-discuss at lists.openspaceforum.net> wrote:
> 
> Friends, I am not sure this initiative has gone out on these lists. If it has, apologies. 
> 
> ashish 
> 
> 
> 
> -------- Forwarded Message --------
> Subject:	Corrected version - Seeking NHRC's oversight of actions taken by administrations and police departments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
> Date:	Fri, 3 Apr 2020 22:52:14 +0530
> From:	Henri Tiphagne <henri at pwtn.org> <mailto:henri at pwtn.org>
> To:	NHRC - Chairperson <chairnhrc at nic.in> <mailto:chairnhrc at nic.in>
> CC:	
> 
> 
> ‘CORRECTED VERSION, KINDLY IGNORE THE EARLIER EMAIL ON THIS SUBJECT’  
> 
> April 3, 2020
> 
> To,
> Justice (Retd.) H.L. Dattu,
> Chairperson,
> National Human Rights Commission,
> New Delhi – 110017.
>  
> Subject: Seeking oversight of actions taken by administrations and police departments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
> 
>  
> Respected Justice Dattu,
> 
> We are writing to you concerning some of the pertinent human rights concerns amidst this 21-day period lockdown announced by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi on March 25, 2020. The World Health Organization (WHO), on March 11, 2020, upgraded the status of the COVID-19 from epidemic to pandemic affecting world-wide. Globally, over a million people have tested positive, resulting in over 53,000 deaths. In India, the number of those who have tested positive is growing as is the death toll.
> 
> We appreciate that the lockdown was a necessity. However, we cannot deny that it has led to great hardship for the poor and vulnerable. It is deeply concerning that the police is continuing to treat this humanitarian crises as a law and order problem. In the name of ‘ensuring compliance with the lockdown’, there are too many reports of the police resorting to abusive actions, often using physical force, lathis and foul language, against poor, marginalised and vulnerable communities, in search of a safe-space and bare essentials.
> 
> This submission contains four specific concerns – cases of police misconduct, living conditions in judicial and non-judicial institutions, situation of homeless and migrant workers and children in conflict with law.
> 
>  
> 1.    Police Misconduct and Excess
> 
> As the 1.3 billion plus Indian population remains in lockdown, with basic freedoms of movement, assembly, employment, and information on hold, with the police as the frontline implementer in every state at risk to their own health and safety, police professionalism and conduct are prime indicators of the State’s approach in response to the pandemic.
> 
> However, as widely reported in the media and social media, and some of our direct encounters with the police, the police, who find themselves in an unexpected situation for which they have not been trained, have responded with excess force and insensitivity. In the immediate aftermath of the lockdown, several news channels and newspapers reported multiple instances of the use of disproportionate force on alleged ‘lockdown violators’. Videos show vegetable vendors were slapped, doctors and nurses intimidated, and people brutally hit by lathis. Some of the police went to the extent of deflating tyres of vehicles of those attempting to provide essential services.
> 
> Despite clear orders by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs as to what services are to be considered as ‘essential’, the police unleashed force in complete disregard. The police force across the country headed by the political executive has shown utter disregard towards the overall human rights situation at the time of a crisis. The highhandedness by the police on anyone and everyone out on the streets is a blatant human rights violation which the Hon’ble Commission should immediately take cognizance of. 
> 
> The COVID-19 guidance issued by the OHCHR mentions that respect for human rights across the spectrum, including economic and social rights, and civil and political rights, will be fundamental to the success of the public health response. UN Special Rapporteurs also have asked States to refrain from using emergency measures to suppress human rights. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a communication specific to India has expressed concerns over the police actions during the lockdown. (Annexure 1)
> 
> “We understand the strains on police services at this time, but officers must show restraint and abide by international standards on the use of force and humane treatment in their efforts to respond to this pandemic, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s instruction.”
> 
> The Kerala High Court in a recent suo motu order has reiterated that the fundamental right to life and personal liberty cannot be suspended even during an emergency. The court said that it is necessary to allay such fears among the citizens that there is an infringement of rights.
> 
> The NHRC is in a paramount position to lay down the golden standard for police behaviour and actions in this time of crisis. It is in this regard, we would like to draw your attention to a set of guidelines developed by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) on police conduct ensuring respect for human rights during the lockdown. (Annexure 2) The guidelines, setting out minimum protection measures to be made available for the police personnel, contain actionable points. Below is a summary of the areas covered for your easy reference.
> 
> ·         Complete prohibition of use of force except in cases where bare minimum force might be required.
> 
>  
> ·         Police’s role as the crucial liaison between people and essential services.
> 
>  
> ·         Developing clear operating procedures and protocols on police conduct during their interaction with people, including those in distress and vulnerable groups like the migrant workers, homeless, etc.
> 
>  
> ·         Refrain from detaining and arresting people, rather use warning and facilitation as approaches.
> 
>  
> ·         Firm and timely action against police personnel prima-facie engaged in misconduct.
> 
>  
> At this stage, we the undersigned, would make following specific appeals –
> 
> ·         In the absence of any guidelines on police operations during the lockdown, the Hon’ble Commission may consider examining the CHRI guidelines on the same and formulate its own guidelines to be followed by all police personnel.
> 
>  
> ·         Issue immediate directions to the Director Generals of Police of all states asking them to urgently issue necessary directions to the police personnel on the above-mentioned points. A copy of compliance should be submitted with the Hon’ble Commission.
> 
>  
> ·         Issue immediate directions to the Director Generals of Police of all states asking them to urgently notify the Hon’ble Commission of the action taken against police officials involved in misconduct during the lockdown.
> 
>  
>  
> 2.    Living Conditions in Judicial and Non-Judicial Institutions
> 
> Section 12(c) of the Protection of Human Rights Acts, 1993 (PHRA) mandates the Hon’ble Commission to visit jail and other institution under the control of the state government, where persons are detained or lodged for purposes of treatment, reformation or protection. The mandate is to study the living conditions of the inmates thereof and make recommendations thereon to the government. During this pandemic, given its rapid transmission, there is an increased vulnerability among people living in governmental and non-governmental institutions like prisons, institutions set up under the juvenile justice law and other safe living space. Due to a common living space often densely populated, marked with minimal facilities, there is a higher chance of transmission of the virus between inmates and into society as they are released.
> 
> UN High Commissioner Bachelet has also urged all the governments to take urgent measures to protect the health and safety of people in detention and other closed facilities. According to the High Commissioner Bachelet –
> 
> “Covid-19 has begun to strike prisons, jails and immigration detention centres, as well as residential care homes and psychiatric hospitals, and               risks rampaging through such institutions’ extremely vulnerable populations… It is vital that governments should address the situation of detained people in their crisis planning to protect detainees, staff, visitors and of course wider society.”
> 
> WHO has also noted how prisons and other similar enclosed places are some of the places most susceptible to this disease. It published interim guidance titled “Preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in prisons and other places of detention,” and specially pointed the reason as follows:
> 
> People deprived of their liberty, such as people in prisons, are likely to be more vulnerable to various diseases and conditions. The very fact of being deprived of liberty generally implies that people in prisons and other places of detention live in close proximity with one another, which is likely to result in a heightened risk of person-to-person and droplet transmission of pathogens like COVID-19.
> 
> In this specific regard, an order had been passed by a bench of the Hon’ble Supreme Court comprising of Chief Justice SA Bobde, Justices L.N. Rao & Surya Kant. The bench directed that all states and union territories were required to set up "high level committees" to determine class of prisoners who could be released on parole for four to six weeks. In terms of the order, this would certainly result in decongestion of prisons and would in turn curb furtherance of the Coronavirus outbreak.
> 
>  "The State/Union Territory could consider the release of prisoners who have been convicted or are undertrial for offences for which prescribed punishment is up to seven years or less, with or without fine, and the prisoner has been convicted for a lesser number of years than the maximum.''
> 
> Following this order of the Supreme Court, certain steps were taken by governments. (Annexure 3) We would like to express three specific concerns at this stage –
> 
> ·         Barring one state, where there is a reference to inmates above the age of 65 years, age and health related vulnerabilities of the inmates have been completely ignored while considering and deciding on those eligible for parole, furlough and bail.
> 
>  
> ·         There is no information on the actions taken to ensure physical distancing in generally overcrowded institutions, provisions and allotment of masks, sanitisers, soaps, etc., by the prison departments and others concerned of other institutions hosting inmates.
> 
>  
> ·         There is no information on any action taken towards release of inmates and other protection measures taken for institutions other than prisons.
> 
> We would like to draw your attention to two specific initiatives that may assist the Hon’ble Commission in its intervention –
> 
> ·         CHRI has also prepared a document in this regard to assist all state prison departments, judiciary, legal services institutions and other stakeholders to undertake effective measures to ensure protection of all inmates and authorities involved. (Annexure 4)
> 
>  
> ·         A joint submission by 130 lawyers from Mumbai titled, ‘Recommendations with regards to the release of prisoners and/or detainees in other settings’, to the Bombay High Court, Maharashtra Government and Administration. (Annexure 5) This submission also puts forward a comprehensive set of guidelines.
> 
>  
> At this stage, we the undersigned, would make following specific appeals –
> 
> ·         Seek urgently from the High Level Committee in all states and union territories about the actions taken to decongest prisons and the status of the same till March 31, 2020.
> 
>  
> ·         Authorise Hon’ble Commission’s Prison Monitor to inquire and report back whether high level committees have been formed in all states and union territories, whether they have met and what actions have been taken.
> 
>  
> ·         Direct the Chief Secretary in all states and union territories to submit information about the actions taken to decongest all judicial and non-judicial institutions hosting inmates.
> 
>  
> ·         Direct the Director General of Prisons in all states and union territories to submit detailed reports on the prevention and protective actions undertaken in all prisons.
> 
>  
> ·         Direct the Principal Secretary (Health) in all states and union territories to submit detailed reports on the prevention and protective actions undertaken in all judicial and non-judicial institutions hosting inmates.
> 
>  
> ·         Submit with the High Level Committee in all states and union territories to consider judiciously and make assessment based on risks and vulnerability of the under-trials and convict prisoners. The risks and vulnerabilities, as also suggested by the WHO, should consider age, especially those above 50 years in age, disability and pre-existing/on-going health conditions.
> 
>  
> ·         In the absence of any guidelines for judicial and non-judicial institutions hosting inmates during such times of pandemic, the Hon’ble Commission may consider examining the guidelines developed by CHRI and lawyers from Mumbai on the same and formulate its own guidelines to be followed by all prison departments.
> 
>  
> ·         Most importantly, we urge the Hon’ble Commission to re-emphasise with all governments, the fundamental tenet of the criminal justice system in India – ‘innocent until proven guilty’. Discriminating undertrials, based on the conviction period the offences they are booked under carry, is condemnable. Such acts prima facie violates Article 14 (equality) of the Indian Constitution and potentially threaten Article 21 (Right to Life). The Hon’ble Commission may consider impleading before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, exercising its powers under the PHRA, in this regard.
> 
>  
> 3.    Situation of Homeless and Migrant Workers
> 
> In the immediate aftermath of the lockdown announcement, millions of migrant labourers and their children were left without shelter, livelihood or basic facilities. They began to cross state borders to reach their villages. With a sudden stopping of railways and roadways, the migrant workers have been left stranded on the streets with no source for food and other essentials.
> 
> Television and print media reported tens of thousands of men, women and children walked long distances in conditions of acute distress to try to reach their homes in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Many of them succumbed to the long walks and died and some of them were killed by the moving vehicles. Many were victims of police excesses as they beat them, made them run or punished them by making them sit like ‘murga’ (rooster). All the visuals of these were shared widely in media and social media.
> 
> Specific interstate transit bus terminals (ISBT) across the country crumbled under the weight of the migrant daily wagers wanting to go home. This created an unprecedented situation and visuals from Delhi’s Anand Vihar ISBT were not only worrisome but demonstrate apathy of the planning of this lockdown and struggles of migrant workers. This is just one example.
> 
> In the absence of wages, homes and food, the migrant workers find it a better ‘choice’ to head back to their villages. Besides, under the circumstances of a pandemic and the fear it has unleashed, workers would like to go back to their villages and towns and be with their families. Such extra-ordinary situation calls for exemplary actions by the state to facilitate them, maintaining appropriate social and medical practices. We cannot but wonder what stops the Government of India from taking such steps to facilitate safe travel for these hapless migrant workers when it could do so for Indian citizens stuck overseas?
> 
> Many of the migrant workers remain stuck in several Indian cities and towns where they are stranded without adequate ration, cooked food and basic essentials. Governments have announced support in such cases, however, we fear that till today it is not adequate in the absence of a clear mechanism for doing so. Some mechanisms put in place are complex and cumbersome. Certain orders pass the buck from State responsibility to ordinary citizens. These are first-hand experiences of those involved in day to day relief support with the migrant workers, homeless and other vulnerable communities like the de-notified tribes, nomadic tribes, sex-workers, etc.
> 
> The existing state and district level mechanisms for providing relief appear to be either over-burdened or lacking expertise in such situation of crisis. Given that the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (DM Act) is now in force, it requires minimum support actions by the authorities at national, state and district levels to the affected communities. Despite appeals from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as well as Ministry of Labour and Employment, business establishments are shying away from taking responsibility of workers, of which large number were engaged as daily wage earners in the company supply chain.
> 
> UN High Commissioner Bachelet has also expressed distress and regret on the plight of millions of migrant workers in India and government measures that compromise individual privacy. According to her measures such as stamping hands, sticking notices outside residences will unduly stigmatise people within the community. In the statement she also welcomed the recent order of the Supreme Court directing the governments to provide enough food, water, beds and supplies as well as psychological counselling in shelters that should be run by volunteers and not security forces. (Annexure 1)
> 
> “The lockdown in India represents a massive logistical and implementation challenge given the population size and its density and we all hope               the spread of the virus can be checked…. It is nonetheless important to ensure that measures in response to the COVID-19 are neither applied in a discriminatory manner nor exacerbate existing inequalities and vulnerabilities…. In spite of all these significant efforts, more needs to be done as the human tragedy continues to unfold before our eyes.”
> 
> There is an urgent need to set up a response system under the monitoring of the Hon’ble Commission at national and state levels, with the involvement of the State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs). At present, given no public notifications, we are unaware if the offices of the Hon’ble Commission and SHRCs are working remotely. We would urge that the NHRC in coordination with the SHRCs collaborate to keep the implementation of state and district level relief measures under the DM Act.
> 
>  
> 
> At this stage, we the undersigned, would make following specific appeals –
> 
> ·         Establish a dedicated 24X7 helpline, probably activating the existing MADAD 14433, to be the nodal helpline for all migrant workers in distress.
> 
>  
> ·         Establish a system to coordinate with all the SHRCs and appealing them to establish state level helpline numbers to be the nodal helpline for all migrant workers in distress.
> 
>  
> ·         Appeal to the SHRCs to be the link with the local authorities for ensuring timely and adequate access to relief including stay facilities and dry ration/cooked food sufficient for the period of their stay and undertake daily review, including onsite visits.
> 
>  
> ·         Issue immediate directions to all state governments to evolve definite inclusive policies and abstain from emphasising on identity card proofs like the ration card, aadhar etc. to access relief services such as accommodation in relief camps, access to cooked food, delivery of ration and essentials, interim monetary relief etc. Any person, immaterial of being a local resident or a migrant, including homeless and vulnerable communities like the de-notified tribes, nomadic tribes, sex-workers etc, should be able to access services provided in the times of lockdown through relevant provisions of the DM Act.
> 
>  
> ·         Establish a ‘joint working group’ at national and state levels with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Employment and, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, for day to day monitoring of the helpline.
> 
>  
> ·         Direct the concerned governments to provide ex-gratia compensation to the families of the migrant workers who died after the lockdown. Such families or their representatives should be able to approach the Hon’ble Commission based on the specific directions.
> 
>  
> ·         Direct all the state and union territory administrations, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other concerned ministries to develop plan and roadmap for safe rescue of migrant workers stuck in other states. Where necessary, utilise the services of vehicles of Indian Army and para-military forces to ensure the safe and secure transportation of stranded workers.
> 
>  
> ·         Direct all the  state and union territory administrations to put in place adequate quarantining facilities for migrant workers upon their return to villages. The directives should include guidelines for sensitive treatment and facilities.
> 
>  
> ·         Issue public directions allowing and encouraging complaints of negligence or inaction by the administration during the lockdown to be submitted by victims themselves or on behalf of them in accordance with Section 12 (a) of the PHRA.
> 
>  
> 4.    Children in Conflict with Law
> 
> While the Juvenile Justice Committee of the Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a direction to all Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) to release children on bail on the basis of nature of offence alleged against them, we strongly feel that the release should be on the basis of principles of juvenile justice laid down in Chapter 3 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 (JJ Act). In addition to this, it should be on the basis of needs and risk assessment of every child. A case-to-case approach is necessary as in the case of children in conflict with the law bail is a rule and its denial an exception under Section 12 of the JJ Act.
> 
> Guidelines need to be put in place for child care institutions (CCIs) on preparedness, prevention and safety for children who will remain in these institutions even if a few a released. For example, directions may be passed for the state governments to introduce video conferencing that will allow children to stay in touch with their families and help in maintaining their emotional well-being amidst fears of spread of COVID-19. 
> 
> In a situation of such a pandemic, parents/guardians should not be forced to take their children back as they themselves may not be in a condition to support their child's well-being and ensure protection.  
> 
> Every child sent back should be given a sponsorship through sponsorship at the rate prescribed under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), routed through the District Magistrate and disbursed by the Probation Officer of the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU).
> 
>  
> 
> At this stage, we the undersigned, would make following specific appeals –
> 
> ·         Direct the Union Ministry of Child and Family Development to issue circular to all state governments clearly directing the following:
> 
> o   Preparation of a list of person(s) responsible for escorting the child back home. 
> 
> o   Advisory laying down the procedures required to be followed for smooth inter and intra-state movement along with directions to the police for providing transport and meeting the food and boarding and lodging costs of the child and the escort during the transfer.
> 
>  
> ·         Appeal to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), one of the members of the statutory NHRC after the latest amendments to the PHRA, to ensure that the JJBs undertake adequate risk assessment in all cases and abide by the fundamentals of the JJ Act - bail is a rule and its denial an exception.
> 
>  
> ·         Appeal to the NCPCR to develop guidelines for CCIs to deal with such situations of pandemic and lockdown.
> 
>  
> We believe that the Hon’ble Commission and SHRCs must play a definitive role in upholding ALL human rights for ALL in this period of lockdown. In addition to the above-mentioned in this submission, we further appeal –
> 
> ·         Direct the Director General of Police in all states and union territories to register FIRs and take firms actions as per law, against hate speech openly being spread by television news channels and public figures, including politicians, to vilify minority communities, specifically in the context of COVID–19 spread as a result of actions attributed to Tableeghi Jamaat Markaz (Centre) in Delhi.
>  
> ·         Direct the Government of Delhi to inquire into claims that the aforementioned Markaz made several unsuccessful attempts to reach local authorities for assistance to safely transport its members out of the Markaz in response to calls for a lockdown, and to fix responsibility on authorities where administrative inaction is proved.
>  
> ·         Direct the Government of India to ensure high speed internet connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir amidst this lockdown.
> 
>  
> ·         Direct the National Disaster Management Authority to submit true and original copies of the National Plan prepared in accordance with Sec 11 of the DM Act.
> 
>  
> ·         Direct the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to submit their respective action plans (drawn based on the National Plan) in accordance with Sec 11 (6) of the DM Act.
> 
>  
> ·         Direct the State Disaster Management Authority in all states to submit true and original copies of the State Plan prepared in accordance with Sec 23 of the DM Act.
> 
>  
> ·         Direct the Chief Secretary in all states to submit ministerial/departmental action plans (drawn based on the State Plan) in accordance with Sec 23 (7) of the DM Act.
> 
> Last but not the least, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) which holds expertise, including medical, in adverse disaster situations, is completely silent about how it proposes to address the impact of COVID-19. With 12 battalions (each battalion comprises of 18 specialists and 45 other personnel) present across the country, role of the NDRF may be crucial in coordinating much of the relief work, especially for the migrant workers, homeless people, members of vulnerable communities etc. This is a disaster like no other and will require immediate as well as well-planned longer time disaster relief.
> 
> We thank you for your patient reading and look forward to definite actions on the concerns brought to your notice through this submission. We are willing to extend all possible support to the Hon’ble Commission and SHRCs in addressing human rights concerns.
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
>  
> 1
> A. Aloysius
> :
> Convenor, Multi Stakeholder Initiative –
> Tamil Nadu
> 2
> Amita Joseph
> :
> Director, Business and Community Foundation
> 3
> Anil Chaudhary
> :
> Convenor, People’s Commission on Shrinking Democratic Space
> 4
> Aruna Roy
> :
> Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan
> 5
> Ashish Kothari
> :
> Pune
> 6
> Bezwada Wilson
> :
> National Convenor, Safai Karmachari Andolan and 2016 Ramon Magsaysay Award Recipient 
> 7
> Babloo Loitongbam
> :
> Executive Director, Human Rights Alert
> 8
> Dr. Bala Murugan
> :
> Member, Tamil Nadu Alliance
> 9
> Beena Pallical
> :
> General Secretary, NCDHR & Dalit Arthik Adhikar Andolan
> 10
> Bharti Ali
> :
> Executive Director, HAQ: Centre for Child Rights
> 11
> Dakxinkumar Bajrange
> :
> Convenor, National Alliance Group for Denotified and Nomadic Tribes
> 12
> Dhirendra Panda
> :
> Convener, Civil Society Forum on Human Rights
> 13
> Enakshi Ganguly
> :
> Co-founder HAQ: Centre for Child Rights
> 14
> Henri Tiphagne
> :
> Advocate & Executive Director, People’s Watch
> 15
> Indira Jaising
> :
> Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India
> 16
> Kalpana Kannabiran
> :
> Professor & Director, Council for Social Development, Hyderabad
> 17
> Kavita Srivastava
> :
> National Secretary, People’s Union for Civil Liberties
> 18
> Kirity Roy
> :
> Secretary, Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha
> 19
> Lara Jesani
> :
> Advocate, Mumbai
> 20
> Leo Saldhana
> :
> Environment Support Group, Bangalore
> 21
> M.A. Britto
> :
> Convenor, Campaign Against Camp Coolie System
> 22
> M.G Devasahayam
> :
> Former Army and IAS Officer
> 23
> Maja Daruwala
> :
> Senior Advisor, Tata Trust and Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
> 24
> Mathew Cherian
> :
> CEO, Helpage India and Member of the NHRC’s Core committee on rights of the elderly
> 25
> Mathews Philip
> :
> Executive Director, South India Cell for Human Rights Education and Monitoring and Member, NHRC Core Group on NGOs and Human Rights Defenders
> 26
> Mayank Sinha
> :
> Secretary, National Alliance Group for Denotified and Nomadic Tribes
> 27
> Medha Patkar
> :
> Narmada Bachao Andolan and National Alliance of People's Movements
> 28
> Mihir Desai
> :
> Senior Advocate, Mumbai
> 29
> Miloon Kothari
> :
> Independent Expert on Human Rights and Social Policy
> 30
> Nikhil Dey
> :
> Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan
> 31
> Nitya Ramakrishnan
> :
> Advocate, New Delhi
> 32
> Dr. Paul Basker
> :
> Convenor, Tamil Nadu Alliance
> 33
> Paul Divakar
> :
> Chairperson, Asia Dalit Rights Forum
> 34
> Pradeep Narayanan
> :
> Director, Partners in Change
> 35
> Rajendra Prasad
> :
> Convenor, CACL – Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry
> 36
> Dr. Ruth Manorama
> :
> Social Activist & Feminist, Former NHRC NGO Core Group Member
> 37
> S.M. Prithiviraj
> :
> Convenor, Tirupur Peoples forum for environment and labour rights
> 38
> Sajjad Hassan
> :
> Convenor, Citizens Against Hate
> 39
> Sanjay Parikh
> :
> Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India
> 40
> Sanjoy Hazarika
> :
> International Director, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
> 41
> Prof. Shanta Sinha
> :
> Former Chairperson, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
> 42
> Shivani Chaudhry
> :
> Housing and Land Rights Network
> 43
> Sudha Ramalingam
> :
> Advocate and Activist, Practicing in Madras High Court
> 44
> Tom Thomas
> :
> CEO, Praxis – Institute for Participatory Practices
> 45
> V.A. Ramesh Nathan
> :
> General Secretary, National Dalit Movement for Justice
> 46
> Dr. V. Vasanthi Devi
> :
> Former Chairperson, State Commission for Women – Tamil Nadu and Former Vice-Chancellor, MS University – Tirunelveli
> 47
> Wajahat Habibullah
> :
> Former Chairperson, National Commission for Minorities and Former Chief Information Commissioner of India
> 48
> Wilfred Dcosta
> :
> Alliances and Linkages Convenor, Indian Social Action Forum
>  
> Copies to –
> 
> ·         All Members, National Human Rights Commission
> 
> ·         Secretary General, National Human Rights Commission
> 
> ·         Registrar Law, National Human Rights Commission
> 
> ·         Chief Justices of All High Courts through its Registrar General
> 
> ·         National Legal Services Authority and All State Legal Services Authority
> 
> ·         Chairperson and Members, All State Human Rights Commission
> 
> ·         Bureau Members, Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions
> 
> ·         Secretariat, Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions
> 
> ·         Secretariat, Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions
> 
> ·         Secretariat, Asian NGO Forum on National Human Rights Institutions
> 
>  
>  
> <Corrected Version - COVID-19- Letter to the NHRC - Final.pdf><Annexure   .pdf>________________________________________
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____________________________

Jai Sen

Independent researcher, editor; Senior Fellow at the School of International Development and Globalisation Studies at the University of Ottawa

jai.sen at cacim.net <mailto:jai.sen at cacim.net>
Now based in New Delhi, India (+91-98189 11325) and in Ottawa, Canada, on unceded and unsurrendered Anishinaabe territory (+1-613-282 2900) 

CURRENT / RECENT publications :

Jai Sen, ed, 2018a – The Movements of Movements, Part 2 : Rethinking Our Dance. Ebook and hard copy available at PM Press <http://www.pmpress.org/>
Jai Sen, ed, 2018b – The Movements of Movements, Part 1 : What Makes Us Move ? (Indian edition). New Delhi : AuthorsUpfront, in collaboration with OpenWord and PM Press.  Hard copy available at MOM1AmazonIN <https://www.amazon.in/dp/9387280101/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522884070&sr=8-2&keywords=movements+of+movements+jai+sen>, MOM1Flipkart <https://www.flipkart.com/the-movements-of-movements/p/itmf3zg7h79ecpgj?pid=9789387280106&lid=LSTBOK9789387280106NBA1CH&marketplace=FLIPKART&srno=s_1_1&otracker=search&fm=SEARCH&iid=ff35b702-e6a8-4423-b014-16c84f6f0092.9789387280106.SEARCH&ppt=Search%20Page>, and MOM1AUpFront <http://www.authorsupfront.com/movements.htm>
Jai Sen, ed, 2017 – The Movements of Movements, Part 1 : What Makes Us Move ?.  New Delhi : OpenWord and Oakland, CA : PM Press.  Ebook and hard copy available at PM Press <http://www.pmpress.org/>
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