Facebook, Twitter and TV debates often result in human rights violation: NHRC Chairperson Justice Arun Mishra

Facebook, Twitter and television debates frequently lead to human rights violations causing harm to the dignity and reputation of individuals, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson and former Supreme Court judge Justice Arun Mishra said on Thursday..The declining quality of media discussions is a source of worry and it is the duty of all parties involved to ensure that their influence on the younger generation promotes civil discourse and dialogue, he added.Justice Mishra was speaking at the foundation day celebration of the NHRC at New Delhi.The event was attended by former President of India Ram Nath Kovind along with judges of Supreme Court and Delhi High Court, members of NHRC and other dignitaries..In his speech, Justice Mishra emphasized the rights of LGBTQIA+ communities and said that addressing their challenges is crucial. In this regard, he said it is important to shift from a passive stance to a proactive approach."Last month, the Commission issued an Advisory for welfare measures for transgender; such as transgender children to be treated at par with unmarried daughters to receive pension and other benefits, be allowed to inherit agricultural land, to provide protection in education and employment," Mishra underscored..Mishra also highlighted problems faced by migrants including issues related to internal displacement, access to education and healthcare."Some segments in society include beggars, transgender, sex workers, orphans and trafficked minors. Their human rights get compromised. We must address the need for their documents to avail the benefit of various welfare schemes," he remarked.Thereby, he urged the authorities authorities to provide Aadhaar cards to such individuals as a top priority..He also dwelt upon the problem of human trafficking. "Women and girls are victims of different forms of trafficking and forced prostitution. Trafficked and enslaved women and girls do not attend school, do not have access to health care and face critical malnutrition. They do not have access to anti-poverty programmes and benefits of socio-economic welfare schemes and are left to be exploited. Their children are the worst sufferer," Justice Mishra remarked.Even an illatom child is entitled to the same protection of rights and social dignity and in India special care is the hallmark of motherhood and childhood, he underlined..The former judge also underscored the importance of education in redressing inequalities. "Discriminatory education policies lead to inequalities in enjoying other rights and society. Thus, the focus should be on the causes and consequences of imbalances related to a single social right, i.e., the right to education," he stated.In this regard, he said that the new education policy aims to address several issues plaguing our age-old system.He also highlighted the issue of depression and mental health among students due to the increasing burden on them. "The urgent necessity is to consider how much burden should be put upon the children in the school and students opting for competitive examinations. The increasing number of incidents of suicide and the necessity of coaching is a matter of grave concern. The education system has become too mechanical and burdensome. Students are suffering from depression and mental health issues," he said.Hence, our emphasis should be on developing the original thinking capacity necessary for invention and our education should be geared towards promoting literature in various Indian languages and enriching our culture.