3.5 WAY FORWARD The NHRC is expanding its outreach in all administra�ve divisions by introducing the District Human Rights (Preven�on & Protec�on) Commi�ees reaching out more and more, and giving a voice to the people who need it the most. This is a strategic entry point for promo�ng and protec�ng human rights at the local level, ensuring partnership with local administra�on as well as local people. Poverty, pervasive inequali�es, and structural discrimina�on are human rights viola�ons and among the greatest global challenges of our �me. Now, the COVID-19, an unprecedented crisis, has become the worst health, human and socio-economic crisis of our life�me, spreading to all countries. It has adversely affected a wide range of basic human rights across the globe. The pandemic has emerged new, adverse trends and exaggerated human rights challenges and has human rights implica�ons for civil, poli�cal, economic, social, and cultural rights. Although the NHRC has been able to make �mely and much-needed interven�ons during the crisis, COVID-19. NHRC perceives that it is an opportunity to build a more equal and sustainable society with forward-looking planning that centres on human rights considera�ons in minimizing the threat of rights viola�ons during any future crisis or any other state of emergency. With this context, not just the COVID-19 recovery plans but also in response to any future pandemics or other global emergencies, it has to be ensured that all priori�es are set and measures implemented do not erode human rights. Human rights must be upheld at all �mes, including during �mes of interna�onal emergency such as a global pandemic. As such, the NHRC plans to priori�se and strategize its future measures, not keeping in mind the COVID-19 recovery plans but also a preparedness for any future pandemics or other global emergencies. 26