ANNEXURE - C National�Human�Rights�Commission Justice G.P. Mathur Faridkot�House,�Copernicus�Marg New�Delhi-110�001 Phone�:�91-11-2338�7328 Fax�:�91-11-2338�4863 E-mail�:�gp.mathur@nic.in Member (Former Judge, Supreme Count of India) Jus Dated:­08.12.2011 MESSAGE The National as well as international community around the world are increasingly realising and acknowledging the role and contribution of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in strengthening the human rights regime throughout the globe. NHRC considers the HRDs as its partner in the endeavour to fulfil its role as an institution for promotion and protection of rights of common man. NHRC understands that'there are many security risks for human rights defenders and; they have to tread a very risky and difficult path to perforin their duties/tasks as a Human Rights Defender. The problems and harassment of the HRDs are in the knowledge of NHRC and NHRC has always made sincere efforts to ameliorate the problems. Measures like Focal Point for Human Rights Defenders, dedicated website space for HRDs and sensitization of functionaries of both state and non state actors, through workshops/trainings/seminars/meetings, have gone a long way in making the voice of the HRDs heard and restoration of their identity as promoter and protector of human rights. The Commission believes that 9th December, which is the day when the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders was adopted by United Nations on 9 December 1998, be declared as Human Rights Defenders Day to acknowledge and pledge continued support to the HRDs who are working for the creation and sustenance of a rights aware and rights respecting civil society. (Justice G. P. Mathur) Residence�:�3,�Safdarjung�Lane,�New�Delhi –110011���*Ph.�:�011-23012076 32 Defe of th Defe ackn mad and p has t Ann foca on su unde the h the imm inter supp will p