State Human Rights Commission
A state human rights commission (SHRC) is an independent statutory body established to investigate and redress human rights violations that occur within a state. SHRCs are typically empowered to investigate complaints of torture, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings, and other serious human rights abuses. They may also have the power to recommend compensation for victims, and to prosecute perpetrators.
The first SHRC was established in India in 1993. Since then, SHRCs have been established in many other countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. In some countries, such as South Africa, SHRCs are known as “human rights commissions” or “commissions for the promotion and protection of human rights.”
The establishment of SHRCs is often seen as a positive step towards promoting and protecting human rights. However, there are also some challenges associated with SHRCs. One challenge is that SHRCs may lack the resources and expertise to investigate and prosecute human rights violations effectively. Another challenge is that SHRCs may be subject to political interference.
Despite these challenges, SHRCs can play an important role in promoting and protecting human rights. They can provide a forum for victims to seek redress, and they can help to raise awareness of human rights issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a state human rights commission?
A state human rights commission (SHRC) is an independent statutory body established to investigate and redress human rights violations that occur within a state. SHRCs are typically empowered to investigate complaints of torture, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings, and other serious human rights abuses. They may also have the power to recommend compensation for victims, and to prosecute perpetrators.
- What are the functions of a state human rights commission?
The functions of a state human rights commission typically include:
- Investigating complaints of human rights violations
- Recommending compensation for victims
- Prosecuting perpetrators
- Raising awareness of human rights issues
- How are state human rights commissions established?
SHRCs are typically established by law. The law will set out the powers and functions of the commission, as well as its composition and procedures.
- Who can complain to a state human rights commission?
Anyone can complain to a state human rights commission about a human rights violation. However, the commission may only investigate complaints that fall within its jurisdiction.
- What happens after a complaint is made to a state human rights commission?
The commission will investigate the complaint and decide whether to take further action. If the commission decides to take further action, it may recommend compensation for the victim, prosecute the perpetrator, or take other steps to redress the violation.
- What are the challenges associated with state human rights commissions?
One challenge associated with SHRCs is that they may lack the resources and expertise to investigate and prosecute human rights violations effectively. Another challenge is that SHRCs may be subject to political interference.
- What are the benefits of state human rights commissions?
SHRCs can play an important role in promoting and protecting human rights. They can provide a forum for victims to seek redress, and they can help to raise awareness of human rights issues.
MCQs
- Which of the following is not a function of a state human rights commission?
(a) Investigating complaints of human rights violations
(b) Recommending compensation for victims
(c) Prosecuting perpetrators
(d) Raising awareness of human rights issues
- Who can complain to a state human rights commission about a human rights violation?
(a) Anyone
(b) Only citizens of the state
(c) Only residents of the state
(d) Only people who have been directly affected by the violation
- What happens after a complaint is made to a state human rights commission?
(a) The commission will investigate the complaint and decide whether to take further action.
(b) The commission will automatically take further action.
(c) The commission will refer the complaint to the police.
(d) The commission will dismiss the complaint.
- Which of the following is a challenge associated with state human rights commissions?
(a) They may lack the resources and expertise to investigate and prosecute human rights violations effectively.
(b) They may be subject to political interference.
(c) They may be too slow to investigate and prosecute human rights violations.
(d) All of the above.
- Which of the following is a benefit of state human rights commissions?
(a) They can provide a forum for victims to seek redress.
(b) They can help to raise awareness of human rights issues.
(c) They can help to hold governments accountable for human rights violations.
(d) All of the above.