NHRC, India
despite their nationality, religion, gender or place of birth.
7.65 In this regard, the Commission called for a national law to end ad-hocism and ambiguity in dealing
with refugees and asylum seekers. The Commission said that it shall make attempts to promote
uniformity and legal sanctity to ensure the protection and realization of human rights of refugees
and asylum seekers across the country and help them to seek the benefits of other government
welfare measures even while taking care of national security.
Open House Discussion on the Protection of Basic Human Rights of Refugees and Asylum Seekers
in India. (Virtual mode)
Image 19.1,Senior Officials of NHRC, Government representatives, Academicians and representatives from CSOs/NGOs
attending virtual Open House Discussion on the Protection of Basic Human Rights of Refugees and Asylum Seekers
in India on 20.01.2022.
7.66 An Open-House Discussion on the protection of the basic human rights of refugees and asylum
seekers in India was held on 20January 2022 under the Chairmanship of Justice Shri M.M. Kumar,
Hon'ble Member, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Justice Shri Arun Mishra,
Hon'ble Chairperson, NHRC, was also present in the meeting in listening mode. The discussion
was attended by Shri Bimbadhar Pradhan, Secretary General, NHRC and other Senior Officers of
the Commission; representatives of the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Law andJustice,
UNHCR; domain experts, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), etc.
7.67 The agenda of the meeting was:
i.
International Instruments for the Protection of Rights of Refugees and Asylum Seekers
ii.
Rights of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in India andtheir situation in present context
iii.
Laws through which Refugees and Asylum Seekers are governed in India.
iv.
The Major Socio-economic, Educational andLegal Issues and Key Challenges of Refugees
and Asylum Seekers in India
7.68 In the said discussion, Shri Bimbadhar Pradhan, Secretary General, NHRC, in his opening remarks,
highlighted India's track record in dealing with and providing protection to refugees, which has also
been internationally acclaimed. He stated that the Constitution of India guarantees fundamental
rights, such as the right to life and personal liberty, equality before the law, and equal protection of
ANNUAL REPORT
96
2021-22