Fifth ITEC Capacity Building Program for Global South Human Rights Institutions Concludes in New Delhi
Organized by the National Human Rights Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, the six-day program saw participation from 38 senior officials representing 14 countries.
The six-day Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Executive Capacity Building Program for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI) of the Global South has successfully concluded in New Delhi. The program was organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Starting on September 14, 2026, the program was attended by 38 senior officials from the national human rights institutions of 14 countries, including Algeria, Chile, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Oman, Samoa, South Africa, Tajikistan, and Zimbabwe. During the program, participants were briefed on various aspects of civil, political, socio-economic, and cultural rights.
Addressing the closing session, NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian emphasized the need to formalize a shared platform and strengthen cooperation among human rights institutions of the Global South. He stated that national human rights institutions act as a 'laboratory' for human rights, where sharing experiences, resolving challenges, and learning from mistakes aid in institutional reforms. He further stressed that the practical application of human rights instruments varies according to the historical, cultural, and social contexts of different nations.
Several distinguished speakers shared their insights during the program, including NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Secretary General Mr. Piyush Goyal, Director General (Investigation) Mrs. Anupama Nilekar Chandra, UN Resident Coordinator to India Mr. Stephen Prisner, Joint Secretary Mr. Sameer Kumar, former Secretary Mrs. Bhamathi Balasubramaniam, Professor (Dr.) Vartika Nanda, Professor (Dr.) Pratap Sharan, Dr. Purva Mittal, and Mr. Chandra Mishra.
Joint Secretary of the NHRC, Mr. Sameer Kumar, noted that approximately 200 representatives from 46 countries have participated in this comprehensive initiative so far. He emphasized the need to adopt a nuanced approach alongside the universality of human rights. During the program, foreign participants praised the Indian approach toward human rights and good governance within India's democracy. Additionally, the participants visited historical landmarks, including Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Red Fort, and the Taj Mahal.
