...... REVIEW OF LAWS, IMPLEMENTATION OF TREATIES AND OTHER.......... 57 5.29 The Commission plans to encourage a more systemic review of both substantive and procedural laws to suggest suitable amendments in the light of the advances made in the fields of medicine, technology and rehabilitation, and above all to ensure equal protection and recognition of the rights of persons with disabilities. G] Towards a New International Convention 5.30 National human rights institutions play a crucial role in translating international human rights norms and standards into practical action. However, their active participation in the elaboration of an International treaty is a new development. Emphasizing the involvement of National Institutions, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in April 2002 stated that, “it will be of utmost importance that not only States but also National Human Rights Institutions are able to contribute their experience to the elaboration of the new Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities”. 5.31 In response to the invitation by the General Assembly Resolution 57/229 to make available to the Ad Hoc Committee suggestions and possible elements to be considered for a treaty on the theme of disability, and, in particular the invitation of the UN Ad-Hoc Committee to National Human Rights Institutions for their participation in its future sessions, the Commission took a number of steps. 5.32 Since treaty elaboration provides a unique opportunity to raise the standards of social justice, well being and citizenship, the Commission encouraged the active participation of Government of India in the treaty elaboration process. The Commission held a series of meetings with senior officers of the Ministries of External Affairs and Social Justice and Empowerment. They were also invited to participate in the international meeting of National Human Rights Institutions at New Delhi in May 2003. The Commission notes with satisfaction that the Government of India deputed a delegation to the second meeting of the UN Ad Hoc Committee and also contributed actively to the Working Group. 5.33 The NHRC jointly hosted an International Workshop of National Institutions from the Asia Pacific Region and Commonwealth Countries at New Delhi between 26th –29th May 2003 in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the British Council. The participants of this workshop:
Strongly affirmed the need for the development of a comprehensive and integral Convention.
Stressed that the Convention should be a ‘rights based’ instrument built on international human rights norms and standards and social justice. It should be ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04