CHAIRPERSON NHRC FOREWORD This book titled “NHRC and Human Rights Defenders: The Growing Synergy” is compilation of the initiatives taken by the National Human Rights Commission to promote and protect the rights of Human Rights Defenders and encourage their efforts in promotion and protection of human rights. HRD’s are partners of the Commission in its efforts to ensure that rights of all are respected and protected. This book not only gives an insight into the international instruments pertaining to HRDs but also the efforts made by the Commission towards the cause of the HRDs. Important cases pertaining to protection of HRDs have been dealt with in this book. The HRDs have helped in bringing the cases of human rights violation to the notice of the Commission. The Commission, acting on these complaints, has provided monetary relief to many of the victims. This book reflects the growing synergy between the NHRC and HRDs. This augurs well for development of human rights culture in the country. Inclusive participation of all will be a great step in fulfillment of NHRC’s motto i.e., “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina”. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Sh. A.K. Garg, Registrar(Law), Sh. A.K. Parashar, Joint Registrar(Law) & Focal Point for HRDs and Sh. Indrajeet Kumar, Assistant Registrar(Law) who with their extensive efforts have worked on various aspects of this topic and made this book a reality. I also extend my thanks to Ms Abhiti Vachher, Intern, Amity Law School and Ms Nayana Tara B.G., Intern, National Law school Bangalore who have assisted in doing the required research on the subject and contributing in finalizing the contents of the book. New Delhi 10­December,­2013 (Justice K.G. Balakrishnan) v