6. To act as a bulwark against human rights viola on, the Commission has also iden fied certain focus areas including rights of women, children, refugees, LGBTQI community, prisoners, persons with mental illnesses, disabili es, elder or senior ci zens, environment and human rights, business and human rights, etc. to name a few. Through extensive core group discussions and research on these themes, the Commission has iden fied emerging challenges to human rights and has sought sugges ons for redressal from experts. 7. This Annual Report provides an overview of the ini a ves undertaken by the Commission in its journey to strengthen and safeguard human rights. It details the advisories issued, core group mee ngs held and provides summaries of the wide array of cases handled. 8. I take this opportunity to thank various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India and their parastatal organiza ons, as well as other Commissions and statutory members of the NHRC. I commend the exemplary coopera on of the State Governments/ Union Territories, Civil Society Organiza ons, NGOs, Human Rights Defenders, my colleagues, officials and staff of the Commission. The collec ve efforts and commitment have made it possible to ensure improved outcomes, especially in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. It is my ardent hope that this Annual Report will not only serve the readers with informa on about the important ini a ves undertaken by the Commission, but also encourage meaningful par cipa on of both the governments at different levels and civil socie es in our collec ve endaevour to protect and promote human rights of every individual. [ Jus ce Arun Mishra ] viii