The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, Chairperson, Justice Ramasubramanian, highlighted that NHRC, India, established in 1993, has dealt with nearly 2.37 million cases of human rights violations over the past 32 years. He said this while virtually addressing the First Consultative Meeting of National Human Rights Institutions, State Bodies and other Organisations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States responsible for the protection of human rights and freedoms held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

Justice Ramasubramanian commended the Kyrgyz Republic for its leadership in convening the first consultative meeting and said that the meeting is both timely and forward-looking. He said that the meeting promotes meaningful dialogue, mutual understanding and practical cooperation in addressing contemporary socio-economic and geo-political challenges. He emphasised that NHRIs play an important role in strengthening trust between the State and society and fostering social stability.

The Chairperson underscored that regional cooperation should be guided by the principles of respect for State sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual consideration of national interests. He welcomed the objectives contained in the draft protocol relating to the exchange of information, dissemination of best practices, expert cooperation and development of coordinated approaches to human rights issues. He noted that regular exchanges among institutions would facilitate mutual learning and enhance institutional effectiveness.

He expressed hope that the first consultative meeting would lay the foundation for a durable and practical framework for regional human rights cooperation based on mutual respect, exchange of experiences and a shared commitment to human dignity.