Chapter - 2 HIGHLIGHTS 2.1 Human rights are the rights inherent to all human beings, irrespective of an individual's nationality, place of residence, sex, national or cultural origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. Every human being is thus equally entitled to human rights without discrimination. These rights are universal, interrelated, interdependent and indivisible. These rights ensure the dignity and worth of the human person and guarantee human well-being. The emphasis on human dignity is not only laid in the UN Charter, Universal Declaration of Human Rights and several international covenants but also in the Constitution of India, which mentions 'dignity of the individual' as a core value in its Preamble. It is 'human dignity' which ultimately defines the true meaning of human rights. In addition, human rights have a distinct relation with human development as both share a common vision and a common rationale to ensure human wellbeing. 2.2 Human rights entail both rights and duties. States assume duties under international law to respect, protect and fulfill human rights. The duty to respect means that States must refrain from interfering with or curtailing the enjoyment of human rights. The obligation to protect requires States to protect individuals and groups from human rights abuses. The duty to fulfill means that States must take positive action to facilitate the enjoyment of basic human rights. At the individual level (while all of us are entitled to human rights) it also becomes our duty to respect the human rights of others. 2.3 The real test, however, is the degree to which a growing global population, demanding a life of dignity, is able to enjoy freedom from fear and want, without discrimination. This undoubtedly can be accomplished by good governance and accountability. Good governance and accountability are the cornerstones of human rights framework. These are two aspects on which focused attention need to be given by any country, including India, if the goal of 'all human rights for all' is to be achieved. 2.4 NHRC-India has been constantly monitoring these two features to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights in respect of people of this country. The ensuing paragraphs give an overview of the significant activities undertaken by the Commission during the period April 2012 to March 2013. Commission Meetings 2.5 During the year under review, the Full Commission deliberated upon and decided numerous cases of human rights violations in 38 sittings. In addition, the two Division NHRC 3