Paris Principles review urged by NHRC chief at Raisina Dialogue amid global conflicts

At the Raisina Dialogue, NHRC chairperson Justice V Ramasubramanian (retd) called for a complete overhaul of the UN Paris Principles to set stronger international standards for national human rights institutions. He said the current framework focuses largely on institutional form rather than substance and noted that honest public truth-telling is essential for protecting human rights during conflicts.

NHRC chairperson Justice V Ramasubramanian retd called for a major rewrite of the Paris Principles. Justice Ramasubramanian spoke during the Raisina Dialogue session, NHRCs in Turbulent Times. Justice Ramasubramanian linked the demand to ongoing global conflicts. Justice Ramasubramanian said stronger international standards were needed for better human rights protection.

The Paris Principles were developed by the United Nations in 1993. The UN General Assembly endorsed them in 1993. The principles set basic guidelines for creating National Human Rights Institutions, or NHRIs. Justice Ramasubramanian said they mainly describe how institutions are formed. Justice Ramasubramanian argued that deeper safeguards are still missing.

Paris Principles overhaul and global human rights standards

Justice Ramasubramanian said the first step in protecting rights is speaking the truth. Justice Ramasubramanian said diplomacy often blocks plain speech during conflicts. "Today, we have to use a lot of diplomacy, we have to be careful in choosing words, in choosing names.\" Justice Ramasubramanian said national interests often shape what leaders say publicly.

Justice Ramasubramanian also spoke about shifting roles in modern conflicts. Justice Ramasubramanian said aggressors can later claim victimhood, and victims can later become aggressors. \"The first half of the 21st century, I think will become the mirror image of the first half of the 20th century. So, what should we do?\" Justice Ramasubramanian asked.

Justice Ramasubramanian suggested closer coordination among NHRIs across countries. Justice Ramasubramanian said this cooperation should happen despite past histories. \"If we get together as a society, and strengthen the civil society and human rights institutions to question their respective governments, that they cant, they shall not do what they are now doing, it will be very difficult for one international organisation to take up the burden upon itself,\" Justice Ramasubramanian said.

Paris Principles revamping and checks within countries

Justice Ramasubramanian said a single global body cannot carry the load alone now. Justice Ramasubramanian compared this with the period after WW2. Justice Ramasubramanian said shared reasoning existed then after bloodshed. Justice Ramasubramanian said it has weakened as self-interest comes first. Justice Ramasubramanian also called for recalibration of ideological issues.

Justice Ramasubramanian repeated that the Paris Principles look at structure, not substance. Justice Ramasubramanian said a full revamp was required to set stronger global benchmarks. Justice Ramasubramanian suggested three to four international bodies. Justice Ramasubramanian said they should check their own countries. \"Unless this is done and dialogue is prompted, I dont think it will be easy to tame countries which have..,\" Justice Ramasubramanian said.

Bharat Lal, Secretary General, NHRC, pointed to strains in the post WW2 order. Bharat Lal said countries expected to maintain peace now contribute to disruptions. Bharat Lal said these disruptions lead to rights violations in several regions. The comments were made during the same discussion on pressures facing rights bodies.

Justice Ramasubramanian also spoke about values within Indian society. Justice Ramasubramanian urged people to follow ideals India has long valued. \"Here preachers are different from practitioners, preachers dont practice and practitioners dont preach,\" Justice Ramasubramanian said. Justice Ramasubramanian did not expand on the remark.

Justice Ramasubramanian said societal standards must improve alongside institutional reform. Justice Ramasubramanian said the best society needs no police, courts, or an NHRI. Justice Ramasubramanian placed that idea as a long-term goal. Justice Ramasubramanian linked it to stronger civic responsibility and steady dialogue on rights.

With inputs from PTI