NHRC launches two-week internship to build future human rights defenders
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has commenced its two-week Online Short Term Internship (OSTI) in the capital, selecting 80 university-level students from a pool of 1,957 applicants across 21 States and Union Territories. The programme aims to equip participants with in-depth knowledge of human rights laws, institutional mechanisms, and practical exposure to rights-related challenges.
Justice Sarangi stresses value of human rights defenders
Inaugurating the programme, NHRC Member Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi said that protecting human rights is intrinsic to living with dignity, liberty, equality, and justice. “Understanding human rights issues is crucial to protect the rights of others,” he said, adding that the contributions of human rights defenders must be valued. He expressed hope that the interns would make lifelong commitments to human rights protection.
Justice Sarangi outlined the NHRC’s mission under the Protection of Human Rights Act and Constitutional guarantees under Articles 14, 19, and 21, which align with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He also highlighted interventions such as mainstreaming the rights concerns of the transgender community.
Curriculum designed for practical and theoretical learning
Earlier, NHRC Joint Secretary Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak provided an overview of the programme. She said the curriculum includes 46 sessions conducted by serving and retired senior government officers, NHRC officials, core group members, academicians, human rights defenders, and civil society representatives.
The interns will also engage in group research presentations, book reviews, declamation competitions, and virtual tours of Tihar Jail, a police station, and ASHA Kiran Shelter Home to understand institutional functioning and rights-related challenges.
Fostering sensitivity and social responsibility
Chhakchhuak stressed that beyond building knowledge, the programme seeks to instill sensitivity in participants and prepare them to serve as ambassadors of human rights in society.
NHRC Joint Secretary Samir Kumar, Director Lt Col Virender Singh, and other senior officers were present during the inaugural session.
