National Human Right Commission be to protect democracy, rule of law and human rights, which are fundamental values of our society and the core values of the constitution. 4.5 The Commission from time to time has reiterated that terrorism creates an environment that destroys the right of people to live in freedom from fear. Terrorism’s goal is to destroy the very fabric of democracy. It has today emerged as a serious threat to humanity. India remains an important ally in the global war on terrorism. It has fought against terrorism for over fifty years and has learnt a great deal from its success and failures. The endeavor of the Commission is to call on the international community to co-operate in combating terrorism. At the same time, the Commission has always emphasized that in doing so, the approach should be humane, rational and secular. B. Custodial Violence and Torture 4.6 Custodial violence and torture continue to be rampant in the country. It represents the worst form of excesses by public servants entrusted with the duty of law enforcement. The Commission regards crimes like rape, molestation, torture, fake encounter in police custody as manifestations of a systemic failure to protect human rights of vulnerable and voiceless categories of victims. The Commission, therefore, is deeply committed to ensure that such illegal practices are stopped and human dignity is respected in all cases. Besides awarding compensation to the victims or next of their kin, the efforts of the Commission are also geared towards bringing an end to an environment in which human rights violations are committed with impunity under the shields of “uniform” and “authority within the four walls of a police station, lock-up and prison, where the victims are totally helpless”. 4.7 The Commission has issued various guidelines in this regard. One of such guidelines is that a death in custody has to be reported to the Commission within 24 hours. Though all custodial deaths may not be crimes or the results 38 Annual Report - 2015-2016