defender. The update on the complaints of harassment of HRDs is posted on the website of NHRC. The Focal Point for HRDs during the year 2012-2013 has traveled to places across India and engaged in discussions with NGOs, rural residents HRDs / and State Government Officers to understand the status of promotion and protection of Human Rights at grass root level. The Visit Reports and complaints received during these visits were placed before the Commission on priority basis and immediate action was taken. B. NHRC’s course of action for protection of HRDs The Commission has always extended its support for the cause of promotion and protection of Human Rights and has denounced anyacts of reprisal, harassment etc. against persons who fight for this cause. In fact, one of the most important aspects of civilian safeguards that have been taken up by the commission is the promotion and protection of the rights of the HRDs (HRD). Important steps taken by NHRC for protection of HRD’s are: • NHRC sends a strong message to the State not to victimize HRDs. • Sensitizes the state functionaries about the valuable role played by HRDs. • NHRC has taken proactive steps to protect the cause of the HRDs by recommending prosecution of violators of rights of human right defenders and compensation to the HRD etc. • Organized workshop on HRDs attended by higher State functionaries. Recommendations sent to all states for guidance. The recommendations are annexed atAnnexure ‘B’. • HRD cases being displayed on the website. • Encompassing this chapter of HRDs in the annual report is also a part of the steps to spread awareness. • The NHRC also released a message on 9th December 2011 and 9th December 2012 regarding continued support to the HRDs. The message is annexed asAnnexure ‘C’and ‘D’respectively. • NHRC, if necessary, has taken up the issue of protection and promotion of rights of HRDs with the State Government. For example, NHRC wrote a letter to Chief Minister, Government of Chhattisgarh in this regard. The same is annexed asAnnexure ‘E’. 14 1. Sarv resp Res and and with resp case On tortu Not Com 2. the raise Mis Vara beca Gen HRD repo