PREFACE The National Human Rights Commission of India is mandated under Section 12(i) of Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 to encourage the efforts of NGOs and institutions working in the field of human rights. Ever since NHRC came into existence, it has worked closely with a number of organizations and individuals, both governmental and non-governmental, to improve the human rights situation in the country. The Commission has always encouraged the efforts of the Human Rights Defenders and worked in harmony with them for promotion and protection of human rights in the country. NHRC India has initiated and taken many steps to promote and protect the rights of HRDs. This publication aims at portraying the growing synergy between the NHRC & HRDs. (A. K. Parashar) Focal Point, HRD Joint Registrar (Law) NHRC, India New Delhi 10 December, 2013 vii