Annual Report 2010-2011 Regional Consultation on National Human Rights Institutions and Civil Society Organizations 2.36 A two-member delegation from NHRC-India headed by Justice Shri B.C.Patel, Member participated in the ‘Regional Consultation on National Human Rights Institutions and Civil Society Organizations Engagement with the International Human Rights System : Enhancing the Protection of Human Rights on the Ground in Asia’ convened in Bangkok, Thailand on 22 and 23 November 2010. The main objective of the Consultation was to explore options for systematic cooperation between national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) from the perspective of ensuring a greater and more effective use of the international human rights system for the promotion and protection of human rights on the ground. Seminar on Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the Commonwealth 2.37 The NHRC and the Commonwealth Secretariat jointly organized in New Delhi a oneday Seminar on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the Commonwealth on 14 January 2011. The Seminar was inaugurated by Shri Mukul Wasnik, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The Seminar, among others, was attended by Shri Shuaib Chalklen, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Disability of the Commission for Social Development and Dr. Purna Sen, Head of Human Rights, Commonwealth Secretariat. United Nations Special Rapporteur on Disability Visits NHRC 2.38 Mr. Shuaib Chalklen, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Disability of the Commission for Social Development, prior to the Seminar on Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Commonwealth, visited the NHRC on 13 January 2011 for a meeting with its Secretary General, Shri K.S. Money. The meeting was also attended by Shri P.K. Pincha, Special Rapporteur on Disability in the NHRC. Shri Money informed the Special Rapporteur that the Commission has been actively engaged with the Government to ensure that disability specific laws and mainstream laws, which affect the rights of persons with disabilities, are harmonized with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Visits NHRC 2.39 Ms. Margaret Sekaggya, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders visited NHRC on 15 January 2011 wherein she interacted with the Members of the Statutory Full Commission and its senior officers. The Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights also participated in the discussions as a special invitee. The Commission shared the concerns for human rights defenders who risk their safety, while taking up matters of human rights violations of others. It was further informed that all possible steps were being taken by the Commission to protect the interests of human rights defenders. A Focal Point NHRC 11