1.11 The combined result of this is not to be measured by the backlog of cases in the Commission but in terms of the number of individuals who have been deprived of their rights and the number of those accused of violating human rights who have so far not been punished. It is indeed sad for all this to happen when India has laws granting and guaranteeing human rights, a system in place to protect those rights and an institution like the Commission acting as a guardian of the people. 1.12 The Commission would like to take the forum offered by this Annual Report to once again urge all stakeholders to give this issue the urgency it deserves. All Government Ministries/Departments and State Governments/Union Territory Administrations must wholeheartedly focus their attention on the Commission's recommendations, orders and inquiries that are still pending in their forgotten files and ensure speedy action so that relief is given to all those who have been deprived of their rights. When the right of any individual is restored which he or she has been deprived of or for that matter the person has been compensated for the violation perpetrated on him/her, it is humanity that ultimately wins. (S. Rajendra Babu) Chairperson (G.P. Mathur) Member (B.C. Patel) Member (Satyabrata Pal) Member (P.C.Sharma) Member 27 May, 2009 New Delhi National Human Rights Commission 3

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